How you can support crucial work of your local NHS teams

Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity helps to improve and enhance the care provided to people in our communities, both in hospital and out in the community. It also supports with improving the environments and experiences of our staff who deliver the care and support.
In my role, I am constantly blown away by the generosity and support we receive from our local communities. Fundraising activities, donations and legacies all support the charity’s work and it is fantastic to be able to listen to people’s stories about why they were inspired to fundraise.
There are a range of fundraising events are available and we are often able to support with discounted entries and race vests or t-shirts. We have had very positive feedback from fundraisers at previous events and the money raised has funded important work.
The events are also ideal for local companies and organisations to enter teams, providing exciting team bonding and get-together opportunities for groups.
We were incredibly grateful for the support we received from Rock Compliance’s South West office team, who raised £1,584 for our bereavement suite. The team wanted to support the maternity unit following the support one of their colleagues received following the loss of their baby.
Taking part in their own company-wide touring event, the team walked, ran, swam and cycled 2,564.4 miles which was an incredible challenge and very rewarding. They had a lot of fun along the way and supported each other throughout.
The money funded items for the suite as well as a refurbishment of its quiet room, which provides a calming space for families to receive and understand potentially upsetting news. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity and efforts of the Rock Compliance team.
Three dedicated members of our very own Torbay and South Devon podiatry team; Sarah, Ruth and Amanda, took on the UK’s bounciest event, the Inflatable 5k, to raise funds for the charity.
Aside from having a lot of fun and a great day out, they managed to raise enough money to purchase three new dermatoscopes for their department. Dermatoscopes are not typically used by NHS podiatrists so are not funded through normal NHS funding.
These new dermatoscopes help to improve and enhance the care the team offers to patients by enabling more accurate identification of moles on feet, lower legs and possibly elsewhere on the body, that could need further investigation.
The team, who tend to care for more older people, will also be able to increase the scope of their practice, as they can identify lesions more easily and therefore flag the need for a referral to dermatology colleagues at a much earlier stage.
We have a great line up of events for 2024, and can offer a range of discounted entries for our fundraisers:
Inflatable 5K: Westpoint Arena, Exeter, April 27, 2024
With 32 obstacles, this is the world’s largest and best Inflatable 5K! Participants can choose from 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k routes
Great West Run: Exeter, May 26, 2024
Choose from a 10k or half marathon route, you can soak up the atmosphere, lovely countryside and stunning views across Exeter.
Tandem Skydive: Dunkeswell Airfield, Honiton, May 18 or September 15 or on various dates in 2024.
Skydive for free! Embark on the ultimate skydiving adventure, reaching an astounding 15,000 feet; the highest altitude available in the UK. Those who raise a minimum sponsorship of £395 for Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity (+ £50 deposit) will have the cost of the skydive covered. To sign up to one of our events or find out more, please contact Rachael Bryett on rachael.bryett@nhs.net or call 07557 481459.