Rowcroft Hospice is a charity, providing specialist palliative care to people with life limiting illnesses living in Torbay and South Devon. The hospice was founded in 1982 and since then, with the support of local people, it has expanded to provide even greater range of services.

It cares for over 1000 people with life limiting illnesses every year whist supporting their families and carers. As part of the local specialist palliative care team, Rowcroft specialises in controlling pain and other symptoms to ease suffering and enhance the life of the patient. This treatment includes psychological, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.

In addition to the 18 bed in-patient unit, Rowcroft runs a variety of Day Services, provides out-patient clinics and a home nursing service, all designed to provide a full range of care and support to meet the individual needs of each person. The team of dedicated staff includes doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, complementary therapists, occupational and physiotherapists, specialist care nurses (Macmillans), maintenance support, caterers, administrators and fund raisers. Rowcroft is also supported by a team of volunteers who undertake a variety of essential tasks, helping to provide an extensive range of services.

It costs £5.6 million to run Rowcroft for a year. The NHS only funds 23 of the costs, but the rest - over .£4.3 million – is raised from voluntary contributions.

Rowcroft is very grateful to Paignton Pantomime Productions for their support and would like to wish them the best of luck with this year's festive treat.