Winners 2000 gyms’ across Newton Abbot, Torquay and Paignton took on the 3 peaks challenge, from September 20 – 23 to raise vital funds for patient care for their local hospice. The three day challenge covered testing terrains and intense hill climbs which led the fundraisers to the top of the highest peaks in England (Scafell Pike,) Wales (Snowdon,) and Scotland (Ben Nevis.)
The team of fundraisers brought together staff, members of the Winners gyms’ and three students and a teacher from Coombe Pafford School. The amazing fundraising efforts raised over a staggering £16,000 which will go towards funding end of life care across South Devon, supporting patients and families facing the hardest days imaginable.
Organiser Jon Ellery explains his motivation for supporting Rowcroft, “My Mother in Law received amazing care at Rowcroft before she passed away, so it seemed right to make sure all this effort from training walks on the moors and coastal paths, to the challenge itself could benefit a wonderful charity like Rowcroft Hospice.”
Not only was Jon touched by the care and compassion of the Rowcroft staff but others within the hiking team were too. Jon says, “As Rowcroft is so local to us in South Devon, you soon realise that everyone has a connection and their own story, so it became quite personal to a lot of people. It was the perfect choice. It far exceeded our expectations. Our original sponsorship target of £5000 was smashed, the walks were harder and more beautiful than we could have imagined. The group of friendships made along the way made the whole event very special.”
As an independent charity, more than 70% of Rowcroft’s funding comes from the incredible generosity of local people, without whom the hospice would not be able to fund its work. In addition to shopping in Rowcroft shops, taking part in the Rowcroft lottery and participating in events – challenges are a great way to fundraise.
Jon explains the thrill of taking part in a challenge, “If you have a challenge or goal that is personal to you, you should go for it, no matter how long it will take and how much effort is needed. The experience you will have along the way far outweighs everything else and if that challenge can benefit the incredible work done by Rowcroft, it will make it even more rewarding.”
Rosey Oakes, Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager at Rowcroft Hospice said, “What a team! We were thrilled that Winners 2000 chose us as their benefitting charity. When people set their minds to do a challenge for Rowcroft we’re here to support them all the way, and we were thrilled to see photos of them proudly wearing their Rowcroft t-shirts and waving their Rowcroft flags on top of Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis! Rowcroft Hospice provides comfort, support and specialist care to over 2,000 patients and their loved ones across South Devon each year, and we are so grateful for this incredible donation which will help us to make every day the best it can be for patients and families.”
To find out more about Rowcroft’s challenge events, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk or call Rosey on 01803 210835.
