Warminster fundraiser to complete final charity walk

A Warminster woman is preparing to complete her final Walk of Life after raising more than £1million for Royal United Hospitals Bath over the past two decades.

Nic Noble founded the Walk of Life in 2006 with her sister Vanessa, known as Ness, to support the Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. After Ness’s cancer progressed, she died in 2007, but Nic continued fundraising in her memory.

Now, after 20 years of the event, Nic is set to take part for the final time.

She said, “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.

“Thank you to the charity for being my clarity in dark times, but also in hope. You are all extremely special to me.”

Over the years, walkers have taken part in thousands of sponsored miles, supporting projects including the Dyson Cancer Centre. The annual event has now raised more than £875,000 for the hospital charity, RUHX, with Nic’s wider personal fundraising total exceeding £1million.

Some of Nic’s favourite memories from the last 20 years include hearing stories from others taking part.

“I met a gentleman at the first tunnel entering Bath,” she said. “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.”

Ahead of her final challenge, Nic is taking on several walks in the lead-up to the main event, including Pen y Fan in Wales.

This year’s Walk of Life takes place on Saturday 23rd May, following the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bishops Cannings to Bath. Participants can choose a full marathon distance or shorter 16-mile and 10-mile routes.

Entry costs £20 for adults or £8 for children, including a T-shirt, refreshments and a lunchtime barbecue provided by Rapid Relief Team UK. Registration closes on Thursday 21st May at ruhx.org.uk/walk.