Local fundraiser, Nicola (Nic) Noble, was surprised by Angela Rippon on BBC’s The One Show, after walking a marathon every day for seven days.

Nic was walking in memory of her sister, Vanessa (Ness) Kyte. Nic and Ness had started fundraising together for new cancer facilities at the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) after Ness was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. When Ness sadly passed away in 2007, Nic promised she would carry on their passion for fundraising.

To mark the final part of her promise, Nic decided to walk a marathon every day in the lead up to the Walk of Life 2023, a sponsored walk organised by RUHX, the official charity of the RUH.

The Walk of Life was started thanks to Nic and Ness in 2006, which now sees hundreds of walkers take on a marathon or 10 mile walk along the Kennet & Avon canal every year to raise money for the RUH. Nic has led the way at the sponsored walk ever since, keeping her sister’s legacy alive.

She completed her final marathon walk on Saturday 20 May alongside 240 RUHX supporters, where she was surprised by Angela Rippon and The One Show team as part of the One Big Thank You segment.

Rhyannon Boyd, Head of RUHX said: “We are so proud of Nic for completing her seven day marathon challenge. To have raised nearly £1million for our Cancer Appeal is incredible and her achievement will be brought to life when our new Dyson Cancer Centre opens later this year.”

“It’s her legacy, it makes sense, and it has healed me,” said Nic.

£43,000 has been raised so far by everyone who took part in the Walk of Life 2023.

Registrations for the Walk of Life 2024 will open soon. To register your interest, please go to https://ruhx.org.uk/events/walk-of-life/