The annual Walk Of Life to raise money for Royal United Hospital’s new cancer centre was launched this week.

The 21-mile walk, organised by the Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal charity, is in its sixth year and was created in memory of Vanessa Kyte, who died in November 2007 having lived with cancer for seven years.

Her sister Nicola Noble from Warminster said: “The Walk of Life is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the life and memories of loved ones. I love it when I see the local community coming together to support such a wonderful cause.

“We look forward to this event every year and for me, knowing that all the money raised is going to help build a new cancer unit that Vanessa dreamt of is an added bonus.”

The walk on May 18 starts at Devizes Wharf, heads through Bradford on Avon and finishes just off the canal in Sydney Gardens, Bath.

Entry is £15 and walkers can choose to walk the full distance, 12 miles from Devizes to Bradford on Avon or nine miles in the afternoon from Bradford on Avon to Bath.

Events and community officer for The Forever Friends Appeal, Jo Hones, said: “The Walk of Life is an absolutely stunning walk and I love being out and about on the day seeing the smiles on our walkers faces.

“Every year the event gets bigger and that’s down to word of mouth. We have walkers join in from all over the hospital catchment area and they always seem to enjoy the challenge.”

Mogers Solicitors in Bath will be sponsoring the walk, which raised £30,000 last year to help kick start the fundraising for the new cancer centre.

Rebecca Silcock, Family Partner at Mogers, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Walk of Life this year.

“Many people either have or know someone who has been touched by cancer so it is important for Mogers as a business in the heart of the local community to support an appeal which will help transform the care of cancer patients and their families.”

Organisers are urging people not to just take part in the walk but to also volunteer as marshals who will be handing out refreshments and encouraging the walkers.

To sign up for the 2013 Walk of Life, download an entry form by clicking here or call the events team on 01225 825823.