A HISTORY enthusiast has turned his passion for the past into pounds for his local hospice charity.

Last month, Wellington resident and member of the Taunton Garrison, Mark Vaughan took on an epic 100-mile re-enactment march to raise vital funds for Hospiscare.

The charity, which provides specialist care for adults with a terminal illness and their families in Exeter, central and east Devon, cared for Mark’s dad, David following a terminal illness diagnosis.

The march, which replicated the journey of historical icon, the Duke of Monmouth, took place over just five days and involved Mark wearing full re-enactment kit, including a woollen uniform and authentic shoes made from leather and wood. Mark also carried a decommissioned 17th-century musket.

Mark said: “2025 marks the 340th anniversary of the Monmouth Rebellion so I wanted to do something to celebrate that and give something back to Hospiscare.

“As the struggle grew for Dad in his last few days, the hospice was there with Mum every step of the way and they couldn’t have done more.”

The hospice, which cares for more than 2,200 patients and their families every year, receives just 24% of its funding from the Government and must therefore rely upon incredible people like Mark to raise the funds needed to keep the hospice going.

Mark had hoped to raise £1,000 for the hospice that cared for his father but managed to exceed is target three-fold, presenting Hospiscare staff and shop volunteers with a cheque for £3,219.39.

Mark’s mother, Glynis, volunteers at the Cullompton shop and was there with fellow volunteers and Hospiscare fundraiser, Alice Pragnell, to accept Mark’s donation.

Mark added: “There were times during the challenge when I thought I wouldn’t be able to go on.

“The traditional shoes I wore are very unforgiving and gave me terrible blisters and the weight of the musket gave me blisters on my shoulders, but members of the public were so supportive.

“So many people donated to my challenge or stopped to ask questions. I even had drivers beeping their horns and shouting supportive messages from their cars. One lovely lady stopped to give me a bottle of water and some snacks! It all kept me going.

“Having an organisation like Hospiscare was just so essential for our family. I’m so honoured to have done this in memory of Dad and to give a tiny bit back to Hospiscare for all the help they gave us.”

Mark is already planning his next historical adventure for Hospiscare in 2026. The charity has said that he is so far keeping plans close to his chest, but has hinted that it may involve digging a trench and spending a week in it, dressed in full WWI gear.

Mark’s historical interest is otherwise kept alive by his time spent with the Taunton Garrison, a living history and re-enactment group, specialising in the history of Somerset in three specific periods: 1588, the 1640's and 1685.