ALMOST 500 people took part in this year’s Walk of Life event last Saturday to raise funds for the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

So far, the RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal has raised more than £30,000 from the event with more cash still to come.

The 26.2-mile walk from Bishop Canning near Devizes to Bath city centre took place in perfect weather conditions.

A RUH spokesman said: “It was a fantastic day – the weather conditions were perfect; not too hot or cold and the rain stayed away.”

Glastonbury Festival founder and Walk of Life official ambassador, Michael Eavis, cut the ribbon at The Crown Inn at the start of the walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath.

At Bradford on Avon, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Garwood, and Ali Vowles from BBC Wiltshire Radio wished the 10-mile walkers the best of luck on their way to Bath.

The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Ian Gilchrist, joined organisers to help hand out some of the finisher medals at the Holbourne Museum.

RUH Events and Community Officer Laura Pearce said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped us on the day as we couldn’t have done it without you.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors of the ‘Goodness stops’ who were handing out well earnt treats and refreshments and the public who cheered our walkers on to keep going.

“It’s been lovely to read the comments on our social media and it’s was clear to see how much the day meant to so many of our walkers.

“We’ve calculated that over 8,200 miles were walked along the canal in support of RUH patients.”

Walkers were asked to raise a minimum of £100 for RUH patients and their families and they could choose where their fundraising goes.

Funds are going to the RUH Cancer Care campaign, the new Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Therapies Centre or another area in the RUH.