The 20th annual sponsored Walk of Life is being held on Saturday 23rd May, hosted by RUHX, the official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath.
The Walk of Life started in 2006 thanks to sisters Nic and Ness who were both determined to raise funds to improve cancer facilities at the RUH.
“Vanessa, known by her friends and family as ‘Ness’, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000,” said Ellie Wilkinson-Brown, the Events & Community Manager at RUHX. “She received her treatment from a fantastic team at the RUH, but during this time was aware that the facilities were out of date and in desperate need of replacing. Ness sadly passed away after the cancer progressed in 2007, but she made Nic promise to carry on their passion for fundraising.
“Nic has kept her promise by leading the Walk of Life every year since in memory of her sister, finding comfort in meeting other walkers who have been through similar journeys.”
Since the event began, walkers have raised over £875,000 for the hospital. This year, the charity is calling on more local people to get involved and hopes to raise over £125,000 to make the total raised at the Walk of Life more than £1million.
The Walk of Life follows the Kennet & Avon canal from Bishops Cannings (near Devizes) to Bath, with walkers able to choose between walking the full 26.2 mile marathon distance or a 16 or 10 mile distance.
Entry is £20 for adults or £8 for children, which includes a t-shirt, refreshments along the route, and a lunchtime BBQ kindly provided by Rapid Relief Team UK.
To celebrate 20 years, RUHX also hopes more people will get involved by signing up to the free ‘do it at home’ option, that allows supporters to choose their own distance, route and date any time in May.
“By taking part, people will be giving back to their local hospital for care received by them and their loved ones, helping to make healthcare extra extraordinary for everyone in Bath, Wiltshire and beyond,” added Ellie.
Walkers can sign up by visiting ruhx.org.uk/walk.
