
Frome resident, Judith White, will be donning her walking boots to take part in the annual Walk of Life event on Saturday 11th May.
She’s walking to raise money for the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath’s cardiology department as a thank you for saving her life.
Back in 2016, Judith was taken to the hospital with chest pains and was subsequently diagnosed with a rare form of heart failure. She’s since made a full recovery and will be one of the 500 local participants taking part to raise money for the RUH’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.
Judith, who is 60 years old said, “I was rushed to hospital with what turned out to be a stress-induced form of heart failure called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. My heart actually changed shape and its function was measured at a mere 18%. Fortunately, it is a reversible type of heart failure and thanks to the expert care I received at the hospital, I have made a full recovery.
“The RUH has made a huge difference to my life so I want to give something back to their cardiology department as a thank you. I am taking part in the Walk of Life as I hope I can make a difference in return. So far, I’ve raised £390 of my £500 fundraising target.”
The Walk of Life event is open for registration and people can choose to walk either the full marathon or join the route, like Judith in Bradford-on-Avon and walk the final 10 miles to the finish line.
It costs just £25 to sign up and the event is open to both women and men. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100 and sponsorship can go towards any ward or department at the RUH that’s close to your heart or to the hospital charity’s major campaigns or special appeals.
In return, the fundraising team will provide walkers with fundraising and training support, an official Walk of Life t-shirt as well as complimentary refreshments and treats. At the finish line you will receive a medal amid plenty of celebrations.
To find out more about the Walk of Life and to sign up, visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk. If anyone would like to sponsor Judith, please visit her Just Giving page.