RUHX walk marks 20 years as founder joins her final fundraiser

RUHX is preparing to stage the 20th annual Walk of Life later this month, with the founder of the event set to take part for the final time after helping raise more than £1 million for the charity.

Nic Noble at Pen y Fan earlier this year | Photo courtesy of RUHX

The sponsored walk, organised by the official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, will take place on Saturday 23rd May 2026.

Nic Noble, from Warminster, launched the event with her sister Vanessa, known as Ness, in 2006 with the aim of raising money for the Dyson Cancer Centre.

After Ness died in 2007 when her cancer progressed, Nic vowed to continue the fundraising effort.

Looking back over the past two decades, Nic said one of the most meaningful parts of the event had been meeting the many people taking part for their own reasons while sharing the same goal of giving something back to the hospital.

She said: “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.”

Reflecting on how the event began, she added: “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.”

Among the memories she has carried with her are walkers dressed in tutus, support from the GWR radio station’s Black Thunder vehicles, and conversations with fellow participants.

“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,” she said.

Nic is now preparing for her final Walk of Life, and in the lead-up is taking on a series of extra walking challenges, including Pen y Fan in Wales.

She said: “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 was first held, walkers have raised more than £875,000 for the hospital, helping fund projects including the Dyson Cancer Centre.

This year’s route follows the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bishops Cannings, near Devizes, to Bath, with participants able to choose between the full 26.2-mile marathon route or shorter 16-mile and 10-mile options.

Entry costs £20 for adults and £8 for children, including a T-shirt, refreshments along the route and a lunchtime barbecue provided by Rapid Relief Team UK.

Registration remains open until Thursday 21st May, through the RUHX website.