Date announced for Stars Appeal flagship event, Walk for Wards
Last year's event raised over £157,000 - a record for the event
Salisbury District Hospital's charity, The Stars Appeal, has announced the date for it's biggest annual event, Walk for Wards.
This year's event will take place on Sunday 7th July at Wilton House and follows 2023's record breaking event, which saw over £157,000 raised.
That money helped the charity provide free Wi-Fi to the hospital as well as invest in state-of-the-art equipment, like a second MRI scanner.
Consultant paediatrician and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Rowena Staples, said: “Every day in our Children’s Unit, Neonatal Unit and across the Hospital I see first-hand the difference the Stars Appeal makes to our patients, their families and visitors, as well as our hospital teams.
“Walk for Wards is the Stars Appeal’s flagship event. Each summer my colleagues and I are amazed to see the huge number of people walking in support of their hospital. It is the support of the local community that helps to make our hospital and the Stars Appeal so special. I hope to see many of you walking in the beautiful Wilton Estate in support of the Stars Appeal. You will be helping to improve the hospital experience for all. Thank you.”
Walkers can sign up to one of three routes, a family friendly 3km, a 5km walk or the more challenging 10km route. Entry to Walk for Wards is free and held by the permission of Lord and Lady Pembroke, who own Wilton House.
Lord Pembroke said: “Walk for Wards is the most extraordinary family event, not only is it raising funds for some incredible Stars Appeal projects, but it is a really enjoyable day out with family, children, friends and colleagues. Wilton House is the most beautiful estate to host the event. All of us here love to share it. The energy of the event is extraordinary, and the atmosphere is not something anyone should miss.”
The Stars Appeal aims to raise over a million pounds every year to fund vital projects supporting people being treated at the hospital. Currently the charity is looking to fund state-of-the-art equipment including videoscopes for head and neck cancer patients, a mechanical chest compression machine, and 20 specialist cots for newborn babies on the labour and postnatal wards.
This is all in addition to the ongoing projects which include support for cancer patients and a play assistant for the Children's Unit.
This year's event is sponsored by Salisbury Reds, who've chosen the Stars Appeal as it's charity for the year.
David Newton, operations manager of Salisbury Reds, added: “We have long been supporters of Walk for Wards and of course Stars Appeal - which is our official good cause for 2024 and 2025. Many of our team have close links to the charity, and we’re determined to help raise as much money as possible.
“The Walk for Wards event is a wonderful family occasion - offering local people the chance to get sponsored to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Wilton Estate. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Sunday this summer, than to spend it in support of this vital community resource.”
Walkers are asked to sign up in advance and commit to raising at least £20 sponsorship per person for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury District Hospital.