Rugby giants back Rowcroft Hospice's big fund-raiser

Six rugby giants including England international’s Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Marcus  Smith, Henry Slade, Ellis Genge and Scotland international player Jonny Gray are  championing Rowcroft Hospice's fundraising event ‘The Big Tackle’.

The stars are, encouraging  the people of South Devon to join the eight-mile walking challenge to score big in  support of vital hospice care.

The six rugby legends appear in videos on Rowcroft’s  social media channels asking people to get a team together and take part in the  charity’s event on Saturday March 9.  

The Big Tackle (formerly known as ‘The Male Trail’) kicks off at Torquay Rugby  Club from 10.30am, with participants welcomed back to the club afterwards for a  free pint, pasty and the screening of the Six Nations rugby match between England  and Ireland. You can book your place at The Big Tackle by signing up at  thebigtackle.org.uk before March 4. 

Plymouth-born local star Henry Slade who plays for England International and  Exeter Chiefs said: “I’m thrilled to throw my support behind Rowcroft Hospice and  The Big Tackle 2024.” 

“Make sure you grab your team and sign up for The Big Tackle today,” said former  England Captain Owen Farrell who plays as a fly-half for premier rugby club Saracens. 

“I’m thrilled to support Rowcroft Hospice,” said Maro Itoje who has been a mainstay in the England squad over the past few years, and who captained  England’s U20 team to victory at the Junior World Championship final in 2014. “Wishing you guys the best of luck.”

“Sign up now and get behind them. Come on.” said England’s international Ellis  Genge who plays for premier rugby club Bristol Bears and is one of the most dynamic props in England. 

"Take part in The Big Tackle walk and get your pint, pasty, and a fix of  international rugby," exclaimed Jonny Gray, Scotland international and Exeter  Chiefs player. “It’s a chance to come together to talk about men’s grief, to get  comfortable talking about uncomfortable things, with all the proceeds going to  Rowcroft Hospice. Please sign up.” 

“I’m a massive supporter of Rowcroft Hospice and The Big Tackle 2024,” added  England International Marcus Smith who also plays as a fly-half for premiership  rugby club Harlequins. “So make sure you grab your team and sign up.” 

The Big Tackle not only serves as an important fundraising initiative for the  hospice, but also provides an opportunity for people to 'walk and talk,' and to  honour and remember loved ones lost.

Aiming to shed light on the importance of  addressing issues related to grief and bereavement that touch the lives of  everyone in the community, the event reinforces that it is good to talk, and  highlights the importance of seeking support if you need it. This is especially  relevant to 33 per cent of men who according to research carried out by StrongMen, cite  grief as something that they most struggle to talk about. 

Rowcroft Event Manager, Alexia Croft said: “We're incredibly excited to have the  support of these five rugby legends for Rowcroft Hospice's 'The Big Tackle' event.  With their backing, we're aiming to make this year's event the biggest and best  yet. So please do support us for this eight-mile walking challenge and help us to  raise vital funds to care for patients and their loved ones across South Devon.  Together, we can make such a difference so grab your squad and sign up today.”

Open to all over the age of eight, The Big Tackle will channel the funds raised  toward Rowcroft's specialist care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and those  closest to them, including bereavement support for families and carers following  the death of a loved one who was cared for by the hospice.  

Sponsored by WBW Solicitors, Torbay Clearance Services and Bays Brewery, and  with the support of Torquay Rugby Club, The Big Tackle is one of Rowcroft’s  flagship fundraising events. It costs just £28 to sign up (£20 for under 18s) and  Rowcroft asks participants to either raise or donate a minimum of £20 to support  the hospice. To sign up and for further information, please go to:  www.thebigtackle.org.uk.