The annual event returned for a 13th year with participants walking seven miles along the Quayside to support patients and families living with terminal illnesses across Exeter, Central and East Devon.
Thanks to the fantastic fundraising efforts, the event has raised over £90,000 and counting. With sponsorship still coming in, the hospice hopes the final total will beat last year’s total and raise over £120,000 for patient care.
The March rain and wind didn’t dampen spirits on the day. After finishing the route, walkers gathered at the Double Locks Hotel and were rewarded with a pint courtesy of Exeter Brewery and a pasty supplied by Chunk of Devon while watching England beat Ireland in the Six Nations rugby tournament.
Hospiscare cares for around 2,000 terminally-ill patients and their families each year across Exeter, Central and East Devon. With just 19% of the charity’s care funded by the NHS, events like Men’s Walk are a crucial way to fund the hospice’s services.
Martin Stokke, Senior Events Fundraiser at Hospiscare, says, “Men’s Walk 2024 saw record participation, with 1400 people taking part at Double Locks or by walking their own route in their own neighbourhood. This has put us in a great position to beat last year’s record-breaking fundraising total!
“We are so grateful to our brilliant walkers as well as the event volunteers, event sponsors Wilkinson Grant & Co and event partners Exeter Brewery, Chunk of Devon and Double Locks.
Every walker, supporter and donation raises vital funds for end-of-life care in our community and makes the work of the hospice possible.”
Harry Roberts, from Exeter, said: “We supported Hospiscare last year and it was a fun day and raised some money. Sadly, we lost my father-in-law in August last year and although he didn’t use Hospiscare, he did benefit from palliative care towards the end and so we were really keen to support Hospiscare for a second time, this time more with the emotional significance to the day as well.”
Kane Newton-Stallwood, of Exeter, said: “This was my second time doing the Men’s Walk for Hospiscare and it gets better each year. It’s a great way to talk to like-minded people whilst walking around Exeter’s beautiful quay, finishing it off with a beer and pasty. Bring on next year!”
Men’s Walk participant Jonathan Willis, from Honiton, said: “Our good friend Rob passed sadly passed away in the hospice at a young age a few years ago and we’ve done Men’s Walk every year since. It’s a nice event with a great atmosphere and an opportunity to raise a bit of money for Hospiscare at the same time.”
Martyn Lewis, from Cullompton, added: “We’re walking in memory of my dad who passed away two years ago. We did it last year and it was good fun so we’re back again. Hospiscare’s nurses looked after my dad really well at his home and we just want to give something back.”
Michael Pannell, from Exmouth, said: “I’m here to walk for my granddad who was looked after by Hospiscare and unfortunately passed away. I was really impressed with the care they gave him, so that’s why I wanted to give something back and do it this year in memory of him.”
Ian Holloway, from Exmouth, said: “Hospiscare is a fantastic organisation that supports people in their hour of need in all sorts of ways, but the care and the dedication from all the staff is just another level. I think it’s the least I could do to be here to help support them and show them that we care and we’re grateful for what they do.”
