An all-male team of walkers from leading commercial law firm Thrings has joined more than 450 men and boys for Bath Men’s Walk 2014 in a bid to raise £40,000 for two local charities.
Now in its second year and open to walkers aged over 12, the event supports the work of Bath Rugby Foundation, which seeks to enhance the lives of young people through sport, and Dorothy House Hospice Care, which provides free specialist nursing care at home for people with life-threatening illnesses.
And, not content with being named as event partner for this year’s event, a six-strong team of walkers from Thrings – whose offices in Bath are in Queen Square – joined walkers on the start line for the eight-mile hike.
ITV weatherman Bob Crampton and Bath Rugby stars Dave Wilson, Micky Young and Ben Williams got proceedings underway as participants set out from the Dorothy House’s headquarters in Winsley and made their way to the Recreation Ground, the home of Bath Rugby. On completion of the walk, they were given the opportunity to kick off their walking boots and watch a Six Nations match on the big screen with a free ‘pie and pint’.
Simon Holdsworth, Thrings’ Managing Partner and a member of the law firm’s walking team, said: “Thrings has a long and rich association with the city of Bath, and we are proud of our strong commitment to the local market. We are extremely pleased to have continued our support for Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House, two charities which carry out such fantastic and necessary work.
“The Bath Men’s Walk continues to grow in popularity, with an increasing number of men and boys recognising it as a great way to spend an afternoon. Not only was it a fun, sociable and healthy way to raise much-needed funds for two great organisations, but there was also surely no better way to round off a day than by watching a great game of rugby in the company of fellow walkers with a pint and a pie.”
Halena Coury, Head of Fundraising at Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “Last year’s inaugural Bath Men’s Walk was a phenomenal success and the support this year has been equally overwhelming. The event was sold out, with 450 men and boys signing up to take part.
“Thrings has long been supporters of both Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House and we are delighted to have had them on board this year as event partner. Their support is a further reflection on just what this event means to people and businesses in Bath.”
Phillippa Watson, Corporate and Events Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care, added: “This year’s Bath Men’s Walk was a terrific opportunity for dads, lads, brothers, husbands and boyfriends from Bath and beyond to don their walking boots and have fun while doing something that makes a significant difference to our patients and their families as they learn to live with a life-limiting illness.”
Thrings, which also has offices in Bristol, Swindon and London, has been providing legal advice to individuals and businesses for almost 300 years.
For more information on the Bath Men’s Walk, please visit www.bathmenswalk.co.uk .
