Rowcroft Hospice and Link Torbay

On the 27th of April. Myself, Michael Kowalski and Tom Murch are taking part in the London Marathon.

As some of you may know I walked 225 metres in aid of Rowcroft Hospice a couple of years ago. I plan to double this, and we significant help from Mike and Tom complete the London Marathon together.

The aim is to raise as much money as possible for both Rowcroft Hospice and Link Torbay, as without the fore mentioned helped I wouldn’t be in the position I am today and I want to help many more to have the platform for a fantastic life.

most of you are already aware of the great work of Rowcroft Hospice, patients and their families in Torbay, so here is more information about Link Torbay

Who is Link Torbay CIC?

Link Torbay became a Community Interest Company in 2024, after operating as an independent specialist coaching entity for 3-years.

Founded by Tom Murch, Link Torbay CIC set out to customise fitness coaching to suit the very individual needs of children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, acute brain injury, and spinal cord injury.

Training in the gym provides an inclusive environment, where people of all abilities strive on a level playing field to achieve their individual goals, have access to specialist equipment, and gain not only physical benefits, but enhanced self-esteem and confidence.

Over the past 4-years, we have witnessed clients improve their balance, muscle strength, coordination and aerobic capacity. In addition, all of our clients have experienced improved mental health and have reduced their use of regular NHS services. It is our ultimate objective to assist our underserved, local population of children with neurological conditions to develop lifelong healthy fitness habits.

Where will the money be used?

Link Torbay intends to launch its Bright Futures Project in May 2025. The initiative will initially integrate up to 10 children (under 18-years old) with neurological conditions into the gym environment in order to:

integrate them into this safe and level playing field

provide high quality personal training sessions designed to the individual client’s needs and goals

teach clients how to safely use gym equipment and create future independence in the gym environment

stimulate social interactions with other gym members and staff

We will also host quarterly community days out where clients may socialise with one another, and enjoy fun and healthy activities whilst developing friendships and support networks. On these community days will be two adults with neurological conditions who serve as incredible role models for the children and can offer advice through their own experience on navigating life with a neurological condition. We are incredibly lucky to have one of these adults as a Director of our CIC, Martyn Edwards.

Please support Mike, Tom and I, to

raise as much money as possible to help the people of Torbay.

Thank you.