Record-breaking community spirit shines for hospice care at Men’s Day Out 2026

16th March 2026

The streets of Plymouth were buzzing with warmth and togetherness as a record 2,750 big‑hearted men pounded the pavements for Men’s Day Out 2026, raising much‑needed funds for St Luke’s.

After an icy start to the day, brilliant sunshine greeted the crowds as they gathered at Plymouth Albion’s Devonport rugby ground before setting out on a compassion-fuelled 12km hike through the city.

The South West’s biggest and best-loved annual charity walk, back for the 12th time , saw men of all ages and abilities stride out side by side in a spirit of camaraderie and remembrance to support the expert end of life care St Luke’s offers local people and their families, both in their own homes and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Starting and finishing at Albion, walkers enjoyed scenic views, occasional showers, friendly banter, refreshing pitstops and the unique, uplifting atmosphere that Men’s Day Out is renowned for.

This year’s walk delivered another powerful reminder of the importance of men looking after each other, especially when facing loss and bereavement. Many walked in memory of loved ones, sharing stories and finding comfort in the day’s unique blend of reflection and solidarity.

Neil Carroll was remembering his good friend Rosie Milne who was cared for by St Luke’s before she died 14 months ago.

“Men’s Day Out is amazing; it brings the best of society together. Everyone is in the best frame of mind, and it rejuvenates your faith in mankind,” said Neil, who was joined by his friend Steve Blackburn. “Rosie was a unique person, always so busy helping everyone else. It’s so nice to keep her in our memories.

“When you walk around the streets, you talk more than if you’re just in the pub with your mates. It’s important to feel safe to do that and at Men’s Day Out you are not on duty or on your guard, you are just walking together.”

For Joe Alford from Bittaford, walking in memory of his dad, Alf, alongside his friend Adam Mulligan, it was a chance not only to support St Luke’s but to acknowledge the unforgettable care his father received before his untimely death in his early 50s,15 years ago.

Joe said: “We wanted to come and show our support for St Luke’s today and it’s really nice to see everyone here together. Dad had St Luke’s care at home, which was absolutely fantastic, and then he was admitted to Turnchapel.

“It was the personal touch and all the small things that made it so much easier at the end of his life. That was a really special time for me, my brothers, my sister and my mum.”

Siblings Tim and Martin Finneron were proud to stride out in honour of their Nan and their Mum who were both cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit.

Tim said: “It is important to support St Luke’s. Everyone knows that hospices are not supported very well by the government. At Men’s Day Out you get talking to other walkers and realise just how many have gone through something similar.”

He first took part in Men’s Day Out in 2018 in memory of his Nan who died 10 years earlier.

“We didn’t know then it would soon be for my mum as well. When Mum became ill in 2019, she knew she wanted to go to St Luke’s because of the great care Nan had.”

Martin added: “Men’s Day Out is for a great cause; it’s a great event and St Luke’s do great work.”

It was an especially poignant day for Alan Fuge , 79. While mourning the recent loss of his wife, Patricia, he was walking in memory of his great friend, work colleague and shooting pal Colin Thorne, who was looked after at home by St Luke’s before he died eight years ago.

“Patricia and I were together 62 years. Since I lost her six months ago, I haven’t said ‘no’ to anything,” said Alan. “Men’s Day Out is something I wanted to do, but I thought I was going to struggle. I actually found it easy – and while you’re walking you feel a sort of closeness to other people as if you are reaching out.”

As father and son Leigh and Ben Meek set off on their first Men’s Day Out, they were not only remembering Margaret, Leigh’s “Mam” and Ben’s “Mama”, who died just over a year ago, they were also honouring Leigh’s dad Dave who was a full-time carer for his wife as her health declined.

“This is our first time doing Men’s Day Out and you can see it touches a lot of people. Blokes don’t really talk about a lot of things, and this is such a good opportunity to voice your feelings and hear other people’s stories. We’re impressed to see Andy’s Man’s Club here too,” said Leigh, whose close friend, Benedict, was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit.

“Mam always wanted to go touring around Europe in a camper van, so that’s what Dad is doing now, so we’re doing this for him too.”

Paul Gregg was a Men’s Day Out regular who raised a great deal for St Luke’s over the years. Paul died suddenly last August so 13 of his friends were walking in his memory, each sporting a different photo of him on the back of their official T-shirts.

“Paul Loved St Luke’s and we all did Men’s Day Out together with him several times, so today we’re doing this in his honour,” said friend John Ainsworth.

Ray Tuite and friends have been loyal Men’s Day Out supporters since his father-in-law spent his last days at St Luke’s specialist unit in 2010. This year it’s snowballed with his son, James , and his school chums swelling the party to a gang of 20, standing out from the crowds in their distinctive traffic cone hats.

“We have all turned 18 or 19 now so we decided it was time to join in,” said James. “As well as doing it for a great charity like St Luke’s, it’s a good chance for all of us to get together.”

Team Grego – brothers Greg, Nigel and Roland Tooze and friends – took on the Men’s Day Out challenge sporting matching green caps to celebrate the life of their Dad, mark Greg’s birthday, walk and talk together, and enjoy a terrific game of rugby.

“It feels great to be here,” said Roland. “We do this most years and meet a lot of people whose family members have been cared for by St Luke’s who do a really brilliant job.”

Dressed from head to toe in cowboy gear, retired Derriford ambulance driver Steve Matthews had two people on his mind as he and his gang of former colleagues and friends walked the route – his late Nan and his “Significant Other”.

“It is so humbling to see so many people taking the time to be here and raise funds for St Luke’s,” said Steve. “If you look on the back of everyone’s shirts that are so many names and photos and that really tugs at the heartstrings.”

After crossing the finish line, participants were rewarded with a well‑earned pasty, a celebratory drink and the chance to watch their local team storm to victory, securing a solid victory in a memorable home match against Rams RFC.

Georgina Dyke , St Luke’s Events Manager, said: “The incredible spirit of Men’s Day Out never ceases to amaze us. A huge thank you to the record number of men who joined us this year. Your generosity and kindness make a real difference to the local families we support through the toughest of times every day.

“We are immensely grateful to everyone who took part and to those who made possible – our main sponsors JEM Scaffolding Ltd, hosts Plymouth Albion RFC, Salcombe Brewery, Ace Double Glazing, Devonshire Freemasons, Sir Fix a Lock Ltd, Vault 53 Rum, The Hire Company, White Cross Training, Devon & Cornwall 4×4 Response, Devon and Cornwall Cycle Marshalls, compere Ian Buse, Friary Mill Bakery and the army of support teams and volunteers who give their time to make sure everything runs smoothly. Big thanks also to the Samaritans and Andy’s Mans Club who were on hand to offer mental health support.”

Pay in your fundraising Register for Men’s Day Out 2027

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