MORE than 300 walkers lined the Kennet and Avon Canal on Saturday as part of The Forever Friends Appeal’s annual Walk of Life.

Walkers set off from Devizes Wharf, with many people completing the 21 miles to Bath, while others chose to walk 12 miles from Devizes to Bradford on Avon, or nine miles from Bradford on Avon to finish at the Holburne Museum in Bath.

The Forever Friends Appeal’s Cancer Care Campaign is raising £8.5million towards the building of a new cancer centre at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

Events and community officer for The Forever Friends Appeal, Emily Lynch, said: “This year’s Walk of Life was such a great success, perhaps the best yet.

“We are extremely indebted to sponsors Kier Construction who for the second year have gone above and beyond to provide the appeal with incredible support on this year’s event.

“With so many walkers taking part to raise money for the hospital this year, we’re hoping to smash last year’s fundraising total of £40,000.”

The majority of people walking chose to raise money for a new cancer centre, with others supporting various wards and departments at the hospital.

It has become a popular gathering for people to celebrate the memory of lost loved ones or for others to fundraise in support of friends or family members who are being treated at the RUH.

The event was created in 2008 in memory of Vanessa Kyte, from Rudge, near Frome, who passed away from cancer in 2007. Her sister, Nicola Noble from Warminster, led this year’s walk before walking the 21 miles to Bath.