On Saturday, 18th March, two hundred and seventy men arrived at Dorothy House Hospice ready to take on an eight mile walk to raise funds to support Dorothy House in continuing to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families.

Unlike last year’s event, the sun was shining as everyone came to check in with our wonderful team of volunteers.

The men had the opportunity to have a quick drink and a bacon butty sold by the Rotary Club of Devizes before hearing from Maggie Crowe, Director of Patient and Family Services at the Hospice. She spoke about why fundraising for Dorothy House is so important, and how taking a chance to speak to other men on the walk about experiences of grief and bereavement are so important.

Just before everyone set off we had a few words of encouragement from Bath Rugby player Tom Dunn who joined the men for the first section of the route.

And then they were off! Almost 300 men taking to the Kennet and Avon Canal in various fancy dress and walking boots to take on the 8 mile route. Whilst snaking along the Canal, taking in the amazing views of the wonderful countryside just outside Bath, the participants took the chance to chat amongst their teams, friends and brand new buddies about their connections to Dorothy House.

It wasn’t long before the first walkers had Bath in their sights and made it all the way to Bath Pavilion. Once the men arrived they were served their free meal and drink and took their seats to watch the day’s Six Nations rugby.

The atmosphere was brilliant, with over 270 men all taking the time to sit and enjoy a pint with some food and continue some conversations that had been happening on the walk.

Tom Dunn provided a signed Bath Rugby shirt for the raffle, which raised a fantastic £840 on the day, with a huge thank you to volunteer Narva who sold tickets right round the Pavilion.

Just before the Ireland vs England match we welcomed friends and family of the walkers and a few brave Ireland rugby shirts came out. With about 100 men sticking with us for the last match, the evening ended with Ireland victorious and everyone heading home with a few sore feet but smiles all round.

Dorothy House is thrilled to announce that the Men’s Walk to Support 2023 has raised an outstanding £52,000. This is an incredible amount, with more money raised and more men taking part this year and this will make a huge difference to the lives of patients and families here at Dorothy House Hospice.

Many of the participants taking part will have experienced support and care from the Hospice, and the money raised from the Men’s Walk could fund more than a week of Hospice at Home care, a huge part of our community work across our patch.

A massive thank you to everyone who took part and fundraised as part of the event as well as our brilliant volunteers who supported the event, we can’t wait to see you all back in 2024!