RUHX, official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, will be hosting its 20th annual sponsored Walk of Life on Saturday 23 May 2026.
Dedicated supporter and founder of the event, Nic Noble from Warminster, recalls her favourite memories from the event.
“Over the past 20 years I have been privileged to meet and walk with so many lovely people sharing their journey, either walking for themselves and for someone they loved. All so different but one common goal to make a difference for the hospital that’s touched them.”
Nic and her sister Vanessa (known as Ness) started the first Walk of Life in 2006, determined to raise funds for the Dyson Cancer Centre. Ness sadly passed away after her cancer progressed in 2007, but Nic promised to continue fundraising.
“From our very first walk around the catchment of the RUH by my sister Nessa’s side, to walking with her each year in my heart. Carrying out my promise to her for a wonderful cancer centre at the hospital my journey is no different.”
Some of Nic’s favourite memories from the last 20 years include ladies walking in tutus, support from Heart radio station ‘black thunder’ vehicles, and hearing stories from others taking part.
“I met a gentleman at the first tunnel entering Bath. He was catching his breath so we started talking and walking, he shared something so precious. From his pocket he removed an old film canister and in it was some of his mum’s ashes, she was walking with him.”
Nic is now walking for the final time, after raising over £1million for RUHX over the last two decades. As part of her final challenge, she is taking on several walks in the lead up to the main Walk of Life event, including Pen y Fan in Wales.
“Thank you to the charity for being my clarity in dark time but also in hope. You are all extremely special to me.”
Since the event began, walkers have raised over £875,000 for the hospital, supporting projects like the Dyson Cancer Centre, and ensuring that every patient at the RUH receives the extra extraordinary care they deserve.
The route 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.
Walkers can sign up until Thursday 21 May, by visiting here.
