As the nation marks Grief Awareness Week (2–8 December), Rowcroft Hospice is shining a light on the power of coming together to remember loved ones – and how taking part in events like The Big Tackle can help channel grief into something positive.
For Torbay brothers Adrian, Chris and David Wilkey, next year’s Big Tackle on Saturday 7 March 2026 will be a walk to remember. The trio will be pounding the eight-mile route around Torquay in memory of their dad, Peter Wilkey, who received care in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit before he passed away in June this year, aged 68.
Peter was a devoted family man with a zest for life. Working as a stock controller at Torbay Hospital, he lived for his passions – football, music, photography and cars – hobbies he shared with his three sons.
“Dad got me and my brothers involved in football from a young age,” said Chris. “He took us to Torquay United and then Manchester City. He also got us involved in music – he was a DJ, and we’d help him set up and take down. Over the years we watched him go to concerts all over Europe and big gigs at Wembley.
“He also had his own darkroom and developed his own pictures. Later, he loved being part of the Caddy Club, polishing his Caddy car nonstop and attending meets across Devon.”
Peter’s cancer journey began in 2020 when he discovered a lump on his leg. After years of treatment and an amputation in 2024, the cancer returned aggressively the following year.
“He battled it in his leg on and off for years, but sadly it eventually attacked his organs and lungs,” said David. “Rowcroft became his place of care, and it was a huge relief for him and for us.”
The family were profoundly moved by the care Peter received in his final weeks.
“It wasn’t until Dad came to the hospice that I realised how fantastic all the staff were,” said Adrian. “The care was amazing – second to none. Not just for Dad, but for the rest of the family too. It was wonderful that Dad could be wheeled outside onto the patio in his bed, under a sunshade, listening to his favourite music. It was a comfortable, peaceful time for him.”
“It was a relief knowing he was somewhere he would receive great care,” added Chris. “We were able to spend the whole time with him. That gave us great peace of mind.”
Now the brothers plan to honour Peter’s memory through The Big Tackle, Rowcroft’s popular charity walk that celebrates community, conversation and connection. Taking place on Saturday 7 March 2026 from Torquay Rugby Club, the event brings people together to walk, talk and remember loved ones lost – supporting conversations about grief and mental health while raising vital funds for Rowcroft Hospice.
Throughout this Grief Awareness Week, Rowcroft is encouraging people across South Devon to sign up – to walk in memory of loved ones, as a family, or with friends and colleagues.
“I’ve done The Big Tackle walk three times before,” said Adrian. “It’s always a great day out – walking with friends, catching up, raising money. But next year will be different. Doing it with my brothers in Dad’s memory will make it really special.”
“Dad mentioned Rowcroft often,” said Chris. “Knowing it’s a charity that does so much for local families, taking part in The Big Tackle 2026 feels like the right way to honour him.”
“Rowcroft relies heavily on the support of the local community to fund its care,” added David. “I’d really encourage everyone to take part in The Big Tackle 2026 to help support this amazing charity.”
With demand for hospice care continuing to rise and financial pressures mounting due to escalating costs and limited government funding, community support has never been more vital. According to Hospice UK, two in five hospices are being forced to cut essential services. The Big Tackle is a chance for people to come together, get active, and make a real difference for their local hospice and community. Every pound raised will help fund specialist care and support for local patients living with life-limiting illnesses, and their loved ones, facing the toughest of days.
Sign up to the Big Tackle today for £20 per adult (£12 for children aged 8+). But be quick as prices rise on 27 January 2026. Go to: thebigtackle.org.uk
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Lead photo: From left to right: Adrian, Chris and David Wilkey with their dad Peter.
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About Rowcroft Hospice
It takes time, compassion, medical expertise and money to help patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones to make the most of every day, but every year Rowcroft Hospice helps around 2,500 people in South Devon to do just that.
By providing comfort, support and specialist services, the hospice enables families to share precious moments when they are needed most – whether it’s a beautiful wedding, remarkable reunion or a simple thank you.
From Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor, Rowcroft cares for 80% of its patients in their own homes with a team of community nurse specialists, social workers, and bereavement volunteers. The team also provides occupational therapy, physiotherapy, complementary therapy, spiritual care and music therapy, delivering a holistic approach tailored to individual needs.
Day and night, Rowcroft’s award-winning Hospice at Home team provide free specialist support to patients at home in their last few of weeks of life. The team helps to monitor and manage symptoms to enable patients to be comfortable and also offers support for loved ones, enabling carers to take much needed breaks. The service includes a dedicated telephone support line 24 hrs a day.
In Rowcroft’s 12-bedded Inpatient Unit in Torquay, the hospice’s team provides specialist care for patients whose complex needs cannot be met at home. Along with high quality health and social care, we also offer delicious homecooked meals and access to our beautiful gardens. The welcoming and homely environment helps patients and families to make the most of precious time together.
Rowcroft is an independent charity with around 75% of its funding derived from the incredible generosity of local people. The hospice team fully acknowledges the current challenging economic climate and is grateful for the local community’s continued support through these tough times; every pound raised makes a real difference.
With an increasingly ageing local population, the demand for Rowcroft’s care has never been greater. The charity currently cares for around one in three people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon and has ambitious plans to expand its care to reach more people.
For more information, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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