TWO local charities hope 700 men will take part in the sixth annual Bath Men's Walk to raise over £70,000 for Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The Bath Men's Walk on the Six Nations ‘Super Saturday’, on St Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, is open to men and boys over 12 years and involves a two-hour, eight-mile walk along the Kennet and Avon canal path to the Bath Recreation Ground, home of Bath Rugby Club.

Last year’s walk raised more than £70,000 to split between the Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care to support their much-needed work for the local community.

Dale Hattey, Events Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “Bath Men’s Walk is a highlight of the Foundation’s fundraising calendar and seeing men of all ages walking eight miles down the canal path in aid of two brilliant charities is always inspiring. I’m sure the prospect of the Super Saturday, Six Nations extravaganza will get the men walking in double quick time.”

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser, Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: "Last year's Bath Men's Walk was a great success with over 580 men and boys taking part.

“It's always an important fundraiser for both charities and the vital funds raised for Dorothy House help us provide patients and their families with specialist palliative and end of life care.

“We hope that the excitement of it being on St Patrick’s Day will encourage more men to sign up for ‘the craic’ as Irish folks like to say."

Simon Holdsworth, Managing Partner of main event sponsors Thrings, added: “The Bath Men’s Walk continues to generate much anticipation among staff at Thrings and we are delighted to extend our partnership with the event for a sixth year.

“Raising vital funds for two fantastic charities is of course motivation enough but the prospect of a pie and a pint while watching the Six Nations at the Rec should offer that added incentive to persuade local rugby fans to join in the walk.”

Mark Olson, the leader of the Avon Road Amigos team from Devizes, said: “We started out with only six walkers a few years ago and our team has grown each year with 18 of us walking last year, we’re easy to spot as we always dress up in Mexican sombreros and ponchos.

“This year will be our fourth Bath Men’s Walk and we’re aiming to beat our 2017 fundraising total of £2,468.26. It’s always a memorable day out for us and I’d recommend the walk to anyone who likes a bit of rugby and a day out with the lads.”

This year’s walk starts from Dorothy House in Winsley at 12pm following registration at 11am and will finish at the Rec after a short detour for refreshments along the route.

Once at the Rec, walkers will be treated to a screening of the day’s Six Nations international rugby action, and a free pie and a pint (or a soft drink for under 18 year olds).

This year, the event is being held on ‘Super Saturday’ and walkers can watch both the England v Ireland match at 2.45pm and Wales v France at 5pm.

Hot sandwiches, burgers and soup will also be available to buy before the walk, provided by The Rotary Club of Devizes.

To sign up for the Bath Men’s Walk visit www.bathmenswalk.co.uk. It is open to all men and boys over 12 years.

For more information on Bath Rugby Foundation visit www.bathrugbyfoundation.com or on Dorothy House Hospice Care visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk.