On St Patrick’s Day, Saturday 17th March, two Bath charities hope 700 men will take part in the sixth annual Bath Men's Walk.
Funds raised through the walk will support the work of Dorothy House Hospice Care which offers compassionate care and support for people with a life-limiting illness and Bath Rugby Foundation, promoting inclusion and confidence building for children and adults through sport.
The Bath Men's Walk is a two-hour, eight mile walk along the Kennet and Avon canal path which starts off at 12pm from Dorothy House in Winsley following registration at 11am.
The walk, sponsored by Thrings, finishes at the Rec, the home of Bath Rugby, after a short detour for refreshments along the route. Once at the Rec, walkers are treated to a screening of the day’s Six Nations action, a pie and a pint.
This year the event is held on ‘Super Saturday’ and walkers can watch both the England v Ireland match at 2:45pm and Wales v France at 5:00pm.
Thanks to the efforts of all who took part in 2017, Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care, raised over £70,000 between them to support their much-needed work for the local community.
Included in the entry price participants will receive a t-shirt, pie and a pint or, in the case of younger walkers, a soft drink (the minimum age for participation is 12 years).
Delicious bacon or sausage sandwiches, burgers and soup will be available before the walk, kindly provided by The Rotary Club of Devizes.
Simon Holdsworth said: “The Bath Men’s Walk continues to generate much anticipation among staff at Thrings and we are delighted to extend our partnership with the event for a sixth year. Raising vital funds for two fantastic charities is of course motivation enough but the prospect of a pie and a pint while watching the Six Nations at the Rec should offer that added incentive to persuade local rugby fans to join in the walk.”
Dale Hattey, Events Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation said: “Bath Men’s Walk is a highlight of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar and seeing men of all ages walking eight miles down the canal path in aid of two brilliant charities is always inspiring. I’m sure the prospect of the Super Saturday, Six Nations extravaganza will get the men walking in double quick time.”
Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care said: "Last year's Bath Men's Walk was a great success with over 580 men and boys taking part. It's always an important fundraiser for both charities and the vital funds raised for Dorothy House help us provide patients and their families with specialist palliative and end of life care. We hope that the excitement of it being on St Patrick’s Day will encourage more men to sign up for ‘the craic’ as Irish folks like to say."
Ones to beat at the fundraising game are the Avon Road Amigos team from Devizes. Their leader, Mark Olson, said of the Bath Men’s Walk: “We started out with only six walkers a few years ago and our team has grown each year with eighteen of us walking last year, we’re easy to spot as we always dress up in Mexican sombreros and ponchos.
“This year will be our fourth Bath Men’s Walk and we’re aiming to gather a team of twenty walkers and beat our fundraising total of £2,468.26. It’s always a memorable day out for us and I’d recommend the walk to anyone who likes a bit of rugby and a day out with the lads.”
To take part in the event, please visit www.bathmenswalk.co.uk.
