The fifth annual Bath Men’s Walk was held on Saturday, 18th March, in aid of Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care, with over 500 men taking part.
Photo courtesy of Colerne Photographic Company
This year 541 men took part in the walk which means the charities are on track to match last year’s total of £45,000 funds raised, if not exceed it.
The eight-mile walk along the canal path from Winsley to Bath was followed by a screening of two Six Nations matches at the Bath Rugby ground.
The individual walker who raises the most money will win a pair of tickets to The Clash on 8th April, a long awaited match between Bath and the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham.
Similarly, the top fundraising team will win 10 pairs of tickets for this legendary match. Ex-England rugby player, Duncan Bell attended the Walk to support these two well-loved charities.
Other local heroes who supported the Walk on Saturday were Bob Crampton, ITV weatherman, Todd Blackadder, Director of Rugby and Tabai Matson, Head Coach of Bath Rugby and Modern Pentathlete, Jo Muir, Sports Ambassador for Dorothy House Hospice Care who cheered the men off on the walk.
The Walk was sponsored by Thrings solicitors with support from other sponsors Fidelius, Pieminister, Bath Ales and Thatchers.
Kevin Down, ‘Gill’s Boys’ team leader at the Bath Men’s Walk and husband of Gill Down recently cared for by Dorothy House said: “I took part in the Walk in memory of my wife and to give something back to Dorothy House, all their staff are amazing and we couldn’t have wanted for better care for Gill.
“I hope that, as well as giving us a storming day of walking, chatting and rugby, the funds raised by the Bath Men’s Walk will help the Hospice continue to support families through a difficult time in their lives.”
Duncan Bell, Bath Rugby Foundation’s lead Ambassador for the ‘Move Like A Pro’ fitness programme said: “As always, the Bath Men’s Walk was a fantastic day out with plenty of camaraderie along the way.
“Next comes the all- important fundraising so don’t forget to send in your sponsorship money by 22nd May. Lets hope the Walk will raise a significant sum to support two hard-working charities that are so vital to the local community.”
Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “The Bath Men’s Walk was a brilliant success with a great atmosphere from the start. The funds raised by the Walk will help Dorothy House continue to give our patients, their families and carers the specialist palliative and end of life care they need.”
Bath Rugby Foundation, Events Manager, Halena Coury said: “We’re delighted that the Bath Men’s Walk was so well attended and are looking forward to hearing which top fundraising team and individual has won the tickets for The Clash at Twickenham on 8th April.
“Don’t forget to get your sponsorship in soon if you want to be in with a chance.”
