Actor and comedian John Cleese helped launch the annual Walk of Life last Thursday to raise money for Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The 21-mile walk along the Kennet and Avon canal is in its seventh year and will take place on May 17, 2014 to raise money towards the RUH’s pioneering new Cancer Centre.

The walk, organised by RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal, was created in memory of Vanessa Kyte from Rudge, who battled with cancer for eight years before losing her fight in 2008.

Mr Cleese was visiting RUH to see the Gamma-CT Scanner, funded through The Forever Friends Appeal, and met Nic Noble and Diane Young, Vanessa’s sister and mother from Warminster, who thought it was a fitting time of year to announce the date for the walk, as Friday marked the sixth anniversary of Vanessa’s death.

Mrs Noble, 51, said: “Vanessa was a motivated fundraiser for Cancer Care and we are keen to continue with her fundraising spirit.

“We are thrilled that John Cleese was able to help us launch the date for next year’s Walk in May.”

The walk starts at Devizes Wharf and finishes in Sydney Gardens, Bath. Walkers can choose to walk nine, 12 or 21 miles.

More than 225 people took part in last year’s walk and raised £38,000 for the Cancer Centre. Entrance for the 2014 Walk of Life costs £15.

To register for the walk -

* Visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or call 01225 825823.