Calling All Rugby Fans! Join the all new Bath Rugby Walk now open to everyone

Entries are now open for the Bath Rugby Walk on Saturday 23rd February. Two local charities are looking for 700 men, women and children aged 12+ to take part in the seventh annual, sponsored Bath Rugby Walk to raise funds for Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The Bath Rugby Walk is a two-hour, eight mile walk along the Kennet and Avon canal path starting from Dorothy House in Winsley at 11am after registration. 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 and a free pie and a drink. This year walkers can watch both the France v Scotland match at 2:15pm and Wales v England at 4:45pm.

The event is now open to both ladies and gents for the first time this year as well as children over 12 years. To sign up for the sponsored Bath Rugby Walk visit www.bathrugbywalk.org.uk

Last year, Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care, raised over £56,000 between them to support their much-needed work for the local community.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming both men and women to join in this great family day out. Last year's Walk was a great success with over 580 people 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."

Ruaridh McConnochie, Bath Rugby player and Olympic silver medallist, said: “Everyone at Bath Rugby knows what amazing work Dorothy House and Bath Rugby Foundation do in our community. We’re right behind the Bath Rugby Walk. It is going to be a great day out and we urge all rugby fans to sign up and take part.”

Lily Miles, Bath Spa University Women’s Rugby captain said: “Our team are really excited to be joining the Bath Rugby Walk. It’s great there is a fundraising event like this that’s open to everyone and a really achievable challenge. We’re having a great season on the pitch at Bath Spa University and we’re excited to get our squad together for this event off the pitch too. It will be great to see lots of other sports teams signing up to join us on the canal path on 23rd February.”

Caryl Thomas, Programme Development Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation and Welsh International rugby player, said: “Bath Rugby Walk is a highlight of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar and seeing hundreds of people walking eight miles down the canal path in aid of two brilliant charities is always inspiring. I’m sure the prospect of a Six Nations extravaganza will get everyone walking in double quick time.”

Please sign up for the event at www.bathrugbywalk.org.uk. For more information on Bath Rugby Foundation visit www.bathrugbyfoundation.com or on Dorothy House Hospice Care visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk.