A history enthusiast turned his passion for the past into pounds for his local hospice charity. Mark Vaughan marched 100 miles to replicate the journey of historical icon, the Duke of Monmouth, in memory of his dad.
Mark’s march, which took place over just five days during the height of summer, involved wearing full re-enactment kit, including a woollen uniform and authentic shoes made from leather and wood. Mark also carried a decommissioned 17th-century musket.
Mark’s challenge was inspired by the care his father, David, received from Hospiscare at the end of his life.
Mark explains, “2025 marks the 340th anniversary of the Monmouth Rebellion so I wanted to do something to celebrate that and give something back to Hospiscare. As the struggle grew for Dad in his last few days, the hospice was there with Mum every step of the way and they couldn’t have done more.”
The hospice, which cares for over 2,200 patients and their families every year, receives just 24% of its funding from the Government and must therefore rely upon incredible people like Mark to raise the funds needed to keep the hospice going.
Mark hoped to raise £1,000 for the local hospice and was overwhelmed to present Hospiscare with a cheque for over triple that amount, a whopping £3,219.39.
Mark continues, “There were times during the challenge when I thought I wouldn’t be able to go on. The traditional shoes I wore are very unforgiving and gave me terrible blisters and the weight of the musket gave me blisters on my shoulders, but members of the public were so supportive. So many people donated to my challenge or stopped to ask questions. I even had drivers beeping their horns and shouting supportive messages from their cars. One lovely lady stopped to give me a bottle of water and some snacks! It all kept me going.
“Having an organisation like Hospiscare was just so essential for our family. I’m so honoured to have done this in memory of Dad and to give a tiny bit back to Hospiscare for all the help they gave us.”
Mark is already planning his next historical adventure for Hospiscare in 2026. He’s keeping plans close to his chest, but has hinted that it may involve digging a trench and spending a week in it, dressed in full WWI gear.
To donate to Hospiscare and support local patients and their families living with a terminal illness, visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/donate.
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Notes for Editors:
Hospiscare is a local charity providing specialist care for adults with a terminal illness and their families in Exeter, central and east Devon. With just 24% of the charity’s funding coming from the NHS, Hospiscare relies upon donations from the public to provide expert end-of-life care in the local community.
Hospiscare has four sites: Searle House in Exeter, which has an eight-bed ward, Kings House in Honiton, Holly Tree Place in Tiverton and High View in Exmouth, which provide outpatient services. The charity also provides care in patients’ homes and community settings, with nursing teams located across the region.
Hospiscare is also dedicated to providing supportive care for the friends and family of their patients.
The care that Hospiscare provides is funded by donations and incurs no cost for their patients and families. To find out more about Hospiscare, including fundraising events and Hospiscare stories, visit the website.
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