Dartmoor trail run raises £90,000 for Hospiscare

AN inaugural “Dartmoor Beast” trail‑running event has proved a major success for Hospiscare - the local hospice charity for Exeter, central and east Devon.

A total of 500 runners took on gruelling 20‑mile and 14-mile routes across Dartmoor on Sunday, September 27 - collectively raising more than £90,000 to support the charity’s specialist end‑of‑life care.

Runners tackled punishing terrain and steep technical climbs to the highest parts of the moor, including the summit of High Willhays – the tallest mountain in southern England. Support and safety were provided by North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and more than 60 volunteer marshals.

Wayne Gale, Hospiscare Interim CEO, took part in the event. He said: “Organising an event like this is a huge undertaking, and I’d like to thank all the Hospiscare staff, volunteers and supporters who helped to make it happen.

“Dartmoor is the ideal setting and, despite the changeable weather, the atmosphere on the day was outstanding. It was inspiring to be amongst the 500 runners tackling the course and helping to raise money for our charity’s end-of-life care for people living across Exeter, east and central Devon.

“We’re very grateful for such brilliant support and know the vital difference it will make to those in need.”

Event organiser, Martin Stokke, said the event exceeded all expectations: “To see 500 runners take on the Dartmoor Beast in its very first year was incredible.

“Thanks to all the volunteers, landowners, OCRA, and the Dartmoor National Park Authority for making this event possible. Together, we’ve created something that inspires people to enjoy and respect the moors, whilst raising awareness for local charities and vital funds for Hospiscare.”

The vital funds raised will help the hospice provide compassionate nursing, pain management, at-home care, and bereavement support for people facing life‑limiting illnesses - services offered free of charge to local people in need.

Mr Stokke added: “The money raised will make a real difference. Huge thanks also to all the runners who took part, and to North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team and the volunteer marshals for their fantastic support.”

James Watts, chair of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, has personally been affected by Hospiscare’s work.

He said: 'When we heard Hospiscare was planning an event on North Dartmoor, we were keen to be involved. As people who spend so much time outdoors, we’re always delighted to see others enjoying Dartmoor's spectacular landscape.

“Like many members of our team, I also have personal reasons to be grateful for the incredible work that Hospiscare does for local families.

"We are proud to have supported such a successful event and to have helped participants enjoy the challenge safely. It has been wonderful to see so many people come together in support of this fantastic local charity, which provides vital work across our community."

As an independent local charity, Hospiscare receives just 24 per cent of its funding from the NHS, so relies upon donations and fundraisers to provide expert end-of-life care in the local community.