A fundraiser for the Royal United Hospital in Bath was recently surprised by Angela Rippon from the BBC’s The One Show, after walking a marathon every day for seven days.
Angela Rippon with Nic Noble | Photo © RUHX
Nicola (Nic) Noble took on the walking challenge in memory of her sister, Vanessa (Ness) Kyte.
Nic and Ness had started fundraising together for new cancer facilities at the RUH after Ness was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000.
When Ness passed away in 2007, Nic promised she would carry on their passion for fundraising.
To mark the final part of her promise, Nic decided to walk a marathon every day in the lead-up to the Walk of Life 2023, a sponsored walk organised by RUHX, the official charity of the RUH.
The Walk of Life was started thanks to Nic and Ness in 2006, which now sees hundreds of walkers take on a marathon or 10 mile walk along the Kennet & Avon canal every year to raise money for the RUH.
Nic has led the way at the sponsored walk ever since, keeping her sister’s legacy alive.
She completed her final marathon walk on Saturday 20th May alongside 240 RUHX supporters, where she was surprised by Angela Rippon and The One Show team as part of their “One Big Thank You” segment.
Rhyannon Boyd, Head of RUHX said: “We are so proud of Nic for completing her seven day marathon challenge.
The One Big Thank You outside the Holburne Museum | Photo © RUHX
“To have raised nearly £1million for our Cancer Appeal is incredible and her achievement will be brought to life when our new Dyson Cancer Centre opens later this year.”
“It’s her legacy, it makes sense, and it has healed me,” said Nic.
£43,000 has been raised so far by everyone who took part in the Walk of Life 2023.
Registrations for the Walk of Life 2024 will open soon. To register your interest, go to https://ruhx.org.uk/events/walk-of-life/.
