The English Riviera was buzzing with energy, colour and community spirit on Sunday 21 September as over three thousand runners took part in the 2025 Torbay Half Marathon & 10K – with Rowcroft Hospice proud to be this year’s official charity partner.
Runners from all walks of life took on the half marathon and 10K routes along Torbay’s stunning coastline, with 278 runners representing Team Rowcroft – running not just for the finish line, but to raise vital funds for local people living with life-limiting illnesses.
Among the Rowcroft runners was mum of two Stephanie Helmore (33) from Wellswood, Torquay, who took on the half marathon in memory of her dear friend, Holly May Bedford, who died at the age of 33 after a short illness with stage 4 skin cancer. For Stephanie, the race was about honouring Holly’s life, her courage, and her incredible spirit – and to raise vital funds for the hospice that cared for her.
“It was emotional beyond words, and every step was filled with love and gratitude,” said Stephanie who raised £1,550 for the hospice, completing the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 29 seconds. “I carried Holly May Bedford’s ashes with me around the course, and I felt her strength pushing me forward when mine began to fade. This run wasn’t just for her – it was with her.
“The atmosphere was brilliant. The effort from everyone was inspiring, and the love was overwhelming. I’m so proud to have been part of Team Rowcroft Hospice.”
Jeremy Weiss (42) from Buckfastleigh ran the half marathon barefooted, raising around £660 for the hospice:
“I thought that running the half marathon completely barefoot might help boost my fundraising!” said Jeremy. “It also felt like a real challenge – and I enjoy pushing myself and stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m really excited to be able to give back in this way.
“I had some friends who were cared for by Rowcroft, and when I visited them at the hospice, I greatly admired the work of the staff. It felt as though there was nothing they wouldn’t do to support both patients and their loved ones. Having already experienced hospice care with my grandad, although not at Rowcroft, I knew how important this kind of care is, and it felt like a great cause to support. I’m happy to do something small to help.”
With around 50% of participants running for charity, the entire event was a celebration of community spirit and generosity as much as athleticism.
“It’s been an incredible day – complete with stunning views, fantastic atmosphere, an amazing sense of community, and a real purpose behind the pounding feet,” said Hayley Townsend, Challenges Fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice. “We’re so honoured to have been the official charity partner this year, and we’re beyond grateful to everyone who ran, donated, or cheered our runners on.
“It’s been more than just a race – it’s been a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. For Rowcroft’s runners, every mile conquered will help the hospice to deliver specialist end-of-life care to people across South Devon. While the legs may ache for a few days, the impact of the fundraising will be felt long into the future.”
Funds raised by Rowcroft’s runners will go directly towards supporting local care – at home, in the community, and in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit in Torquay – helping people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon to make every day the best day possible.
To donate, volunteer, or find out how to join Team Rowcroft in future events, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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Images:
- [Stephanie Helmore photos x2 – lead and above. Caption:] Stephanie Helmore (33) from Wellswood, Torquay, was Rowcroft’s top fundraiser at the event, raising £1,550 for the hospice and completing the half marathon in memory of her friend Holly May Bedford
- [Jordon Bond in firefighting kit. Caption:] Jordon Bond from Brixham ran in full firefighting kit to raise over £1,300 for the hospice. He said: I’m running for Rowcroft today for the incredible support, love and affection that they showed to a very close family friend, Anne, honouring her wishes during the last months of her life, giving her support in her own home, providing vital pieces of kit and equipment, and constant care – not only for Anne, but also for her family. I can’t thank Rowcroft enough for all they did in the last few months of Anne’s life.”
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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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