MORE than 1,500 people raised £150,000 for Rowcroft Hospice at last year’s Big Tackle – and organisers are now inviting supporters to help make the 2027 event another success.

The popular fundraising event will return to Torquay on Saturday, March 13, bringing together hundreds of people for an eight-mile sponsored walk to support patients and families across South Devon.

Registration is now open, with early-bird tickets costing £20 for adults and £12 for children.

Every participant will receive a free event T-shirt.

The walk will start and finish at Torquay Rugby Club, taking participants through Torquay and along the coast.

Once they cross the finish line, walkers can enjoy a free pint and pasty before watching the live screening of the England v Scotland Six Nations rugby match.

Last year’s fundraising total was enough to fund more than 5,000 hours of specialist care delivered by hospice nurses during home visits.

Among those who took part in the 2026 event were Ian Lawrence, from Torquay, and his family, who walked in memory of Ian’s father, Bob Lawrence.

Bob, who died from stomach cancer in 2024, was cared for at home by Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team.

Ian said: ‘The fantastic support and care Dad received from Rowcroft meant that his last request could be fulfilled and he was able to spend his final days at home with his wife, Karen.

‘We will forever be grateful to Rowcroft for the excellent work they do. And I will do whatever I can to support the hospice to make sure others can get help when needed’.

Rowcroft fundraiser Rachel Haime said Ian’s experience highlighted the importance of the event and the difference fundraising makes to families facing some of the most difficult times in their lives.

She said the hospice supported people in a variety of ways, from helping patients remain at home with loved ones to providing complex care in its Inpatient Unit and offering bereavement support to those left behind.

‘For many people, The Big Tackle is a chance to remember someone special, just as Ian and his family did’, she said. ‘It’s a day to walk, talk and share memories, while knowing that your fundraising will help another local family receive the care and support they need’.

She added that the event was also an opportunity to enjoy a day out with friends, relatives or colleagues, with a lively atmosphere, coastal scenery and plenty of rugby spirit.

The event is open to anyone aged eight and over and is sponsored by WBW Solicitors, Torbay Clearance Services and Bays Brewery.

Early-bird prices are available until midnight on December 7, after which ticket prices will rise.

While entry fees cover the cost of organising the event, participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship or donations of at least £50 to help fund Rowcroft’s care.

The hospice supports around 2,500 patients and their loved ones across South Devon each year, but increasing demand and rising costs are placing pressure on services.

According to Hospice UK, nearly 60 per cent of hospices have either made cuts or are considering reductions to frontline services, while 380 hospice beds across England are currently out of use because of the costs involved in delivering care.

Rowcroft faces particular funding challenges, receiving just 24 per cent of its income from the NHS, compared with an average of around 40 per cent for hospices across England.

Community fundraising, therefore, remains vital to helping the charity continue providing specialist care and support.

People can sign up for The Big Tackle 2027 at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/the-big-tackle