A record number of people stepped out for the sixth annual Walk of Life to raise money for Royal United Hospital’s new cancer centre in Bath.

Altogether 225 people took part in the walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, with some choosing to do the full 21 miles from Devizes to Bath, and others doing 12 miles in the morning from Devizes to Bradford on Avon, or nine miles in the afternoon from Bradford to Bath.

Jo Hones, events and community officer, said: “We are just so proud of all our wonderful walkers.

“We would like to thank them all for their support, as well as our fabulous team sponsors Mogers Solicitors, our volunteer marshals and everyone who helped make this event run so smoothly.

“We have had some really fabulous feedback with everyone thoroughly enjoying the day despite the blisters.

“The Walk of Life is going from strength to strength and growing in numbers each year.”

The Walk of Life was created with and in memory of Vanessa Kyte, from Frome, who died in November 2007 having lived with cancer for seven years.

Vanessa Kyte’s sister, Nicola Noble, from Warminster, has continued with Vanessa’s fundraising drive and said: “I have met so many lovely people throughout the day, Ness would have thought everyone taking part was incredible.’’ The campaign is helping to build a new £20.5million cancer centre.