Nicola (Nic) Noble, from Warminster, is getting ready to walk the canal every day from Sunday 14 May, until her finale 26.2 mile marathon walk at RUHX’s Walk of Life on Saturday 20 May.
She’ll be walking with purpose, as she has done for the last 16 years, to bring her sister’s legacy and final wishes to life.
The charity’s sponsored walk started in 2006 thanks to Nic and her sister, Vanessa Kyte, both determined to raise funds to improve cancer facilities at the Royal United Hospitals Bath.
Vanessa, known by her friends and family as ‘Ness’, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She received her treatment from a fantastic team at the RUH, but during this time was aware that the facilities were out of date and in desperate need of replacing.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, helping it to grow into the beautiful celebration it is today, with hundreds of local people stepping out in memory of their loved ones to support their hospital.
Nic has taken on many incredible challenges over the years, and her seven day walk will mark the final part of her promise to Ness, as she hopes to reach £1million raised for the charity’s Cancer Appeal. Thanks to support from fundraisers like Nic and Ness, the new Dyson Cancer Centre will open at the RUH in Autumn this year, revolutionising cancer care for 500,000 people in the South West.
Nic said: “My last promise to my beautiful sister is nearly complete. I can’t believe the Cancer Centre will be finished this year. The walk has helped so many wards, projects and families, especially mine. Each year I remember Ness and my first walk 17 years ago with her by her side. The memories of my little sister never leave me. The walking and raising funds for the hospital have continued to heal me. Thank you RUHX.”
Nic has helped raise an astonishing £925,000 to date through her challenges, support from the community and with the Warminster & District Fundraising Group.
You can support Nic’s final promise to her sister, and help her reach £1million, here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nic-Noble7
The Walk of Life is a walk for everyone, offering a 26.2 mile and 10 mile option along the scenic Kennet & Avon canal.
Registration closes on 18 May and you can sign up for your place on our events page.