Men’s Walk to Support – the Avon Road Amigos’ fundraising challenge

Men’s Walk to Support charity fundraising challenge

It’s just over a month until the Men’s Walk to Support 2023 fundraising challenge. We’re so excited to see that over 100 men have already signed up to take part to support our vital work at Dorothy House!

Each year, teams of friends and families come together to take on the Men’s Walk. One of those who have taken part over a number of years are the ‘Avon Road Amigos.’ Mark Osland, their team captain, wrote briefly about why they take part in the fundraising challenge, how it all began, and why this year is particularly important for them all.

The Avon Road Amigos

“A few years ago, a group of us ‘rugby dads’ were standing on the side of Devizes Rugby Pitch, watching our sons playing. As discussions turned towards the Six Nations and our local team, Bath, we started talking about a local charity fundraising walk involving rugby. You can probably guess the rest!

“An 8-mile walk along the canal tow path, from Dorothy House (our local hospice) to Bath where we are treated to a ‘meal and pint’, and watching England play on the big screen. What’s not to like? At the same time, we can help to raise much-needed funds for a great local charity. So, three of us decided we wanted to help support them and formed a little group. As we all lived in and around Avon Road, we came up with the team’s name of the Avon Road Amigos. Well, one thing led to another, and there we were all dressing up to support Dorothy House!

“Our little group has around ten or so regulars now, and over the years, our fundraising efforts have reached over £10,000.

“Dorothy House provides end of life care for our area, supporting families as well as patients, and relies on public donations and fundraising to do this. We are just trying to help in our own little way and raise awareness of their amazing work.”

Walking for an ‘Amigo’

“This year we are dedicating the walk to one of our ‘Amigos’, Roger Beim who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2022.

“Roger was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and shortly afterwards started aggressive therapy. During this time and since, both he and his family received amazing support from Dorothy House. Roger took part in the walk whenever his health allowed, fundraising and trying to give something back.

“So, this year, the Amigos are walking for Roger!”

The Men’s Walk helps Dorothy House continue to deliver outstanding care, and creates a brilliant space for men like those in the Avon Road Amigos to come together and remember a friend.

How to sign up

There is still plenty of time to get involved in this year’s Men’s Walk fundraising challenge. Entry is open and you can register in just five minutes online. Entry is £25 and includes a FREE t-shirt, meal and pint, and the showing of all three Super Saturday Six Nations matches on Saturday 18 March. Register here.

Find out more about fundraising challenges with Dorothy House here.