483 men and boys stepped out on a beautiful sunny spring day last weekend to take part in the third Bath Men’s Walk and show their support for two local charities.
The eight-mile event, which started at Winsley and finished at the Rec in Bath, was organised by Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.
This year, thanks to the efforts of all who took part, they hope to have raised £40,000 to help their work in the local community.
Bath Men’s Walk, which is sponsored by event partner Thrings, was officially started by ITV weatherman, Bob Crampton, who offered many words of wisdom for the men as they made their way along the canal.
Following a few inspirational words from Chief executive of Dorothy House John Davies, and General Manager of Bath Rugby Foundation, Mandy Gardner, the walkers set off from Winsley across fields and canal path to the Rec, with an ‘unofficial’ watering stop at ‘The George’, Bathampton.
The walkers took approximately two hours to complete the route and were greeted with a well deserved pie and a pint ready to watch the big game, England vs France in the 2015 Six Nations Campaign, on the big screen.
Phillippa Watson, Event joint organiser at Dorothy House said: “We are thrilled that the walk has been another fantastic success, and we would like to thank all those that took on the challenge for us.
“It has been great to be a part of two well respected local charities coming together to make a difference to our community and to put the Bath Men’s Walk firmly on the Bath calendar for years to come”.
Bath Rugby Foundation Fundraising Manager and joint event organiser Halena Coury said: “We were delighted by the Bath Men’s Walk, which is now in its third year.
“It is a fantastic day and a wonderful fundraiser for both charities. With just under 500 walkers this is clearly an event that captures the imagination. We look forward to another success next year.”
Simon Holdsworth, Managing Partner of Thrings and a member of the law firm’s walking team, added: “This year’s event was a huge success, with record numbers of men and boys turning out to support Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House, two charities which carry out such vital work in enhancing the lives of young people through sport and supporting people with life-threatening illnesses.
“The Spring-like conditions, the beautiful Somerset and Wiltshire countryside, the camaraderie of the walkers and a richly deserved pie and a pint at the Rec combined to make the day a huge success for everyone involved, and we look forward to supporting this fun, sociable and necessary fundraising event in the future.”
“Thanks to main event sponsor Thrings and to the event partners: Money Wise, Bath Ales, Thatchers and Pieminister, who helped make this event a reality and provided the all important pies and pints at the end.
“We plan to make next year even bigger, so put the date in your diary for Bath Men’s Walk 2016 and book early!”
