Our Hospiscare Heroes are nothing short of extraordinary. They go above and beyond to support our work, helping us to care for patients and their families across Exeter, central and east Devon.
This special edition celebrates a group of remarkable individuals who have laced up their trainers and taken on incredible running and walking challenges in support of Hospiscare.
Team Hospiscare 2024 London Marathon runner Holly Watson
2025 London Marathon
We’re incredibly proud of our nine amazing Hospiscare Heroes who, together on Sunday 27 April, raised an astonishing £42,000 by taking on the 2025 London Marathon in support of their local hospice.
This year’s team was united not just by the race, but by deeply personal motivations. Each member—Martin, Harry, Holly, Josh, and Amanda—carried their own powerful reason for taking part. Tim ran as a tribute to his father, who was a fellow marathon runner, and Charlie, continued a friendship built on running, in memory of a good friend Simon.
Andy, whose company Progressive, is part of our 40Club, chose to join Team Hospiscare after seeing the impact of our work in the local community. Lee completed the marathon his way – running from his home to Exmouth and back again in memory of Kirsty List.
Our runners each got creative with their fundraising. They all did a wonderful job, rallying their friends and family to support their epic endeavours. From producing and selling bespoke clothing, to organising plant and cake sales, quiz nights and even a black-tie charity ball, their hard work certainly paid off.
On the day itself, our runners put everything into their marathon challenge and received their medals with pride. Holly and Harry even managed to find each other in the crowd and celebrate together!
Holly and Harry meet before the race to wish each other luck
We’re so thankful to each one of you for your dedication, and your commitment to go the distance for Hospiscare.
If you’d like to show your support for their efforts, please check out their JustGiving pages here.
Team Hospiscare at the Great West Run
2025 Great West Run
Thank you to our Great West Run Hospiscare Heroes who did us proud, once again, taking on one of the UK’s oldest and (apparently) hilliest, half marathons! The annual event was held on Sunday 25 May and the challenging route spans through the beautiful centre of Exeter. Each member of our 40-strong team had their own special reasons for taking on this challenge. For some it was part of a personal fitness journey and for others, it was a way of honouring and celebrating the memory of a loved one.
But after months of training hard whatever the weather, they set out on Sunday with a shared mission in mind: to conquer the Great West Run 2025 half marathon or 10km distance and raise vital funds for Hospiscare.
We want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all our Great West Runners. So far, #TeamHospiscare have raised over £8,500 for end-of-life care in the community. If you’d like to follow, support and donate to the GWR 2025 Hospiscare Heroes, you can find the link to the JustGiving campaign here.
We’d also like to thank our wonderful Hospiscare Cheer Squad who got up early on a Sunday morning show their support and cheer on #TeamHospiscare.
David’s Marathon Speed-walk
On Sunday 18 May, our Hospiscare Hero, David Barlow, marked his 78th birthday by taking on a marathon speed-walk from Okehampton to his hometown of Broadclyst, all to raise vital funds for Hospiscare.
Back in early April, we shared a blog about David’s ambitious plans. Now, we’re proud to share an update on his progress.
Setting off bright and early from Okehampton, David made swift progress through the early stages of his journey, taking the challenge in his stride. Thanks to months of dedicated training and careful preparation, David’s legs and feet held up well.
David made it as far as Beacon Heath, having walked an incredible 22 miles. Unfortunately, at that point, back pain forced him to stop — but not before completing an awe-inspiring distance.
Although David couldn’t complete the full 26.2 miles, his determination and big heart have already made a huge impact: he has raised an amazing £1,500 – and his JustGiving page is still open for donations.
From all of us at Hospiscare, thank you, David. Your dedication, spirit, and compassion make you a true Hospiscare Hero.
Kirsty after completing the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge.
Kirsty’s ultra challenge
In May, our Hospiscare Hero, Kirsty, took on a stage of the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge to mark the first anniversary of her dear friend Katherine’s passing. Katherine died following a very short but courageous battle with cancer.
“The kindest, most loving, most positive spirit on our netball team – her impact continues to influence us every day. I feel blessed to have spent a couple of hours a week with Kath for over 15 years while we played the game we both loved,” Kirsty wrote on her JustGiving page.
Kirsty walked an impressive 42km along the stunning World Heritage coastline, starting in Weymouth and finishing in Bridport. Her incredible effort raised a phenomenal £1,425 for Hospiscare.
With the inspiring motto, “What would Kath do?”, Kirsty is now embracing life more fully – making memories, living in the moment and setting herself challenges that push far beyond her comfort zone.
From all of us at Hospiscare – Kirsty, you are a true Hospiscare Hero. Thank you!
Terri with fellow Tough Mudder participants.
Terri’s Tough Mudder Team
A huge thank you goes to Terri, who took on the physically demanding challenge of Tough Mudder London West 15K with her team — all to raise vital funds for Hospiscare.
This gruelling course pushed participants to their limits, with forest trails, muddy ditches, and an elevation gain of up to 551 metres. Reaching the finish line was no small feat, and Terri tackled every obstacle with courage and determination.
So far, Terri has raised a fantastic £370 and her JustGiving page is still open for anyone who would like to support her amazing effort.
Thank you, Terri — your strength, spirit, and support make you a true Hospiscare Hero!
Nicky with her family and Lauren at the Plymouth Half Marathon.
Nicky’s next challenge
Our next hero, Nicky, has once again gone the extra mile for Hospiscare — quite literally!
Previously, Nicky completed the Great South Run (10 miles) despite the official event being cancelled due to weather. Undeterred, she ran the full distance anyway, showing true determination and dedication.
Now, with that same inspiring spirit, Nicky has taken on and conquered the Plymouth Half Marathon, running in loving memory of her dear mum, who was cared for by Hospiscare.
“This charity will always have a special place in my family’s heart. They advised, guided and supported my family to enable my mum to remain at home in her final days,” Nicky shared on her JustGiving page.
Her efforts raised a fantastic £445. Thank you, Nicky, for your passion, strength, and heartfelt support.
Megan after completing the Brighton Marathon.
Megan’s Marathon
On 6 April, our amazing Hospiscare Hero Megan took on the Brighton Marathon in memory of her much-loved stepdad, Stuart, who was cared for at our hospice.
To make her fundraising even more meaningful (and fun!), Megan came up with a creative idea; anyone who donated £10 or more to her JustGiving page could choose a song to be added to her race day playlist. The result? A motivating soundtrack filled with supporters’ favourites to keep her going every step of the way!
Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and supporters, Megan raised a fantastic £2,115 — an incredible tribute to Stuart and a huge support to Hospiscare.
Megan, we hope your playlist kept your spirits high and your feet moving — thank you.
Ryan’s Bath Half
On 16 March, Ryan laced up his super-fast running shoes and took on the Bath Half in honour of his much-loved mother-in-law, Lesley, who has been under the compassionate care of Hospiscare.
In a heartfelt message on his fundraising page, Ryan shared:
“They allowed me to bring in Lesley’s beloved dog, Siena, to visit, and Emily and Charlie were able to stay with her in a family room.”
Ryan’s dedication not only led him to cross the finish line with an impressive time of 01:44:27, but also helped raise a fantastic £1,283 for Hospiscare.
Ryan, your generosity, speed, and heartfelt tribute to Lesley mean the world to us. From everyone at Hospiscare, thank you — you are truly a Hospiscare Hero.
Rachel holding a ‘Finisher’ sign after completing the Bath Ultra Challenge.
Rachel’s ultra challenge
A final huge thank you goes to Rachel, who recently completed the 29km Bath Ultra Challenge in support of Hospiscare.
Cheered on by her father-in-law and eldest daughter-who joined her for a memorable 10-minute stretch in Bath-Rachel was also met with a heartwarming surprise at the finish line when her mum appeared to celebrate her achievement.
To date, Rachel has raised a phenomenal £3,680 for Hospiscare—an outstanding accomplishment and a true testament to her dedication. From everyone at Hospiscare, thank you!
Thank you to all our Hospiscare Heroes on behalf of our staff and volunteers, patients, and their loved ones.
We love to hear your fundraising stories. Please keep sharing them with us on social media. Every effort, big or small, helps bring comfort and support to those in our care.
If you want to become a Hospiscare Hero, visit our fundraising page to discover how you can get involved and make a lasting impact.
