Locals are being encouraged to get involved with the Walk of Life event in September to show their support for the Royal United Hospital.
Photo © Clare Green
The popular walking marathon event is organised by the RUH’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.
There are three options to choose from, one of which will see participants walk the full 26.2 miles from Bishop Cannings near Devizes, along the Kennet and Avon canal to the finish line at the Holbourne Museum in Bath.
Alternatively, there’s the 10-mile distance, where you can join walkers in Bradford on Avon in the afternoon.
This year, a virtual marathon event is also being offered, where you can walk the full 26.2 miles your way across the month of September.
Kerri Gardner, who is donning her walking boots to tackle the 10-mile walk, is taking part to say thank you for the care her dad received in 2016.
Kerri said: “My dad was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at RUH in November 2016. He was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer/Sepsis and after having an operation to have a stoma bag, he had a heart attack and sadly passed away on 11th December.
“The support the ICU gave my dad and my family was absolutely amazing and we will never be able to thank them enough. They allowed us to stay by my dad’s side and the very minimal time we did leave him they accepted our calls, passed on messages and generally cared.
“The staff there did everything they could to keep my dad comfortable and to treat his illness and I will never forget the compassion and understanding they showed him when he was clearly scared.
“Personally I don’t do a lot of walking so the Walk of Life will be a challenge for me, but not as big as the challenge the staff at the RUH face daily.
“I urge anyone no matter how big or small support the RUH where possible as you never know when you may need their support.”
Last year’s virtual Walk of Life marathon event raised £40,000 for the hospital.
That money has helped fund a number of projects including the charity’s RUH Cancer Care campaign for the new Dyson Cancer Centre, as well as support wards and department in the hospital.
Laura Snell, Events and Community Manager said: “With two months until the event, we really can’t wait to welcome people back to our annual Walk of Life event. We are hoping to see hundreds of people join us and those who complete the challenge will receive a unique finisher medal.
“Like every charity, we’ve adapted due to COVID-19, so there will be a few changes to the event, including COVID-19 measures to keep everyone safe and offering a virtual marathon for those who want to take part in their own time.”
The Walk of Life event is open to everyone and costs £15 to register. Participants are asked to raise a minimum £100 for any ward or department at the RUH close to their heart, or one of the charity’s major campaigns.
In return, The Forever Friends Appeal will provide walkers with fundraising and training support, as well as complimentary refreshments and a medal.
To find out more about the Walk of Life and to sign up, visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.
