Hospice aims to raise £200k in 36 hours with support from local community
This February, Rowcroft Hospice is calling on the people of South Devon to come together for a powerful fundraising challenge that will help local families facing the hardest of times. Through the ‘Every Moment Matters Appeal’ - a 36-hour matched funding campaign - the hospice aims to raise a staggering £200,000 to fund specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses across the region. The campaign will start at 10am on Sunday 22 February and finish at 10pm on Monday 23 February. During this period, all donations will be matched by local businesses, groups and generous individuals, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution.
At the heart of the appeal is a message that defines Rowcroft’s care: every moment matters. It’s the philosophy that guides the hospice in helping people make the most of precious time with loved ones. And with just 36 hours to meet the target, every moment of the campaign counts too - every donation, every conversation, and every share can make a real difference.
A family’s story: Making every moment count
For Michelle Lewis-Clarke from Kingsteignton, the support from Rowcroft Hospice came at a crucial time – through some of the most challenging moments of her family’s life.
Michelle’s husband, Jim Lewis-Clarke, a retired police officer, had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2017, but he’d continued to embrace life. Jim’s focus was on his family and his friends, and he’d continued to enjoy walking the South West Coast Path, kayaking, playing golf, and the simple joys of Dartmoor and the sea.
But as Jim’s condition worsened in 2024, Rowcroft’s Community Team stepped in. “We had the most incredible support from Rowcroft,” said Michelle. “Our palliative care nurse, Tracey, was our saviour.”
When the pain became too much to manage at home, Jim was welcomed into Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit. “From the moment we walked through the doors, Jim said, ‘I’m in the right place,’” Michelle recalls. “Jim was in the hospice for five weeks, and throughout that time I didn’t leave his side. Initially, I slept in a chair, but then they wheeled in a bed for me.”
When Jim expressed a wish to return home, the hospice made it possible. “They arranged everything so quickly: the bed, the care team, the equipment,” said daughter Emily. Being at home gave Jim a new lease of life. He was eating again, laughing, even enjoying a glass of wine.
“He was at home, surrounded by love, and we had four more wonderful months together,” added Michelle.
In that time, the family made the most of every moment - trips to the beach, fish and chips, walks on the moor, and for Jim and Michelle even a ceremony to renew their wedding vows.
When Jim suffered a stroke in January 2025, Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team provided round-the-clock care. “We called them our ‘whispering angels,’” Michelle said. “They treated him with such dignity and kindness.”
Although it could have felt uncomfortable having strangers in their home at such a vulnerable time, Emily said: “They gave us a real sense of peace, as every single nurse was just so experienced… All Dad’s friends were able to come and say their goodbyes. It was very special and enabled everyone to have a moment with Dad in their own way.”
Jim passed away peacefully at home, holding the hands of the people he loved.
“We were all there,” said Michelle. “It was exactly what he wanted, and Rowcroft made it possible. As a service to the local community, Rowcroft is a godsend.”
Every Moment Matters
Funds raised through the Every Moment Matters Appeal will help Rowcroft continue providing specialist care and support to patients and their loved ones across South Devon, enabling more families to make the most of precious moments together. Donations can be made online at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/every-moment-matters
The appeal comes at a critical time for hospice care. Across the UK, two in five hospices are planning cuts to services due to rising costs, limited government funding, falling donations, and a growing demand for end-of-life care. For Rowcroft, last year’s increases to National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage added £225,000 to the charity’s annual costs. With only 24% of its income funded by the NHS, the hospice relies heavily on generosity of the local community to continue its vital work, and is urging the local community to get behind the appeal.
Supporters are encouraged to donate, fundraise within their networks and help spread the word by sharing Rowcroft's social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
To find out more or make a donation, charityextra.com/rowcrofthospice and follow Rowcroft Hospice on social media.
