Making Waves for Dad: Devon PR Founder Takes on Hospiscare Swim Challenge Across the County

Eighteen months after the devastating loss of her father, Natalie Trice is embarking on a deeply personal fundraising mission for Hospiscare: to swim in every outdoor pool, lido and sea pool she can find across Devon in his memory.

Natalie Trice, founder of PR agency Natalie Trice Publicity, admits she is “no natural fish in water,” but the peace and calm of outdoor swimming has helped channel her grief.

Wanting to create something meaningful in memory of her dad, the perfect idea came to her while swimming at Kingsteignton Pool during its opening weekend, just before the first meeting of the charity’s 40 Club initiative for 2026/2027, of which she is part of.

Members of the dedicated networking group commit to raising at least £1,000 for Hospiscare, while also championing one another’s businesses, celebrating success and offering support through life’s challenges.

Natalie says: “My dad died in August 2024 after a painful battle with Alzheimer’s and I wanted to keep his legacy alive in a meaningful way by helping other people. Hospiscare didn’t care for him, but I really wish they had because the compassion, dignity and kindness they offer families is incredible and what we needed. Raising money for a cause that means so much to so many feels like the perfect way to remember him.”

The challenge will take Natalie from the iconic Tinside Lido to community favourites in Teignmouth, Bovey and Topsham, alongside hidden gems like Clyst Hydon and the many sea pools dotted across the Devon coastline.

With three swims already completed, come rain or shine, light or dark, she plans to finish with a twilight finale at Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool in December.

Ellie Melmoth, Partnership Manager at Hospiscare, says: “The 40 Club is a powerful part of our work and it’s fantastic to welcome another brilliant group of local people who are using their energy, ideas and networks to make a real difference. Natalie’s challenge is one of many inspiring fundraising efforts we’ll see over the coming months, and a touching tribute to her dad.

She adds, “We’d love people and businesses to get behind Natalie’s challenge and all our 40 Club members because every donation helps us continue providing vital care and services for families when they need it most.”

Natalie concludes: “I’m a head-above-water kind of gal, not the strong swimmer Dad was, especially in the river where we grew up, but he taught me to swim so I know he would have loved this idea. This is about remembering my dad but also helping others receive the empathy and kindness we didn’t.”

To support Natalie’s challenge, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/natalie-trice-club40swim