Parents of Larkhill triplets join Walk for Wards after Stars Appeal support
Chantelle Sims had triplets Brody, Albie and Archie in August 2023
A Salisbury family whose triplets were cared for by the Neonatal Unit at Salisbury District Hospital have joined the Stars Appeal's flagship event to say 'thank you' for the care and support they received.
Chantelle and Mason Sims, from Larkhill, will be taking part in Walk for Wards at Wilton House on Sunday 7th July, along with their five children - including six-month old triplets Brody, Albie and Archie.
Stars Appeal is Salisbury District Hospital's charity and Walk for Wards is their biggest event of the year - last year it raised a record £157,000 with more than 2,000 people getting involved.
Many take part to thank for hospital for the care they or a loved one received, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child.
Through the Stars Appeal, parents are supported on the Neonatal Unit at Salisbury District Hospital in a variety of ways, including accommodation for parents, state-of-the-art equipment, free Wi-Fi and chaplaincy services.
After being born in August 2023, at 30 weeks, the triplets spent five weeks on the Neonatal Unit, with the whole family being helped by the Stars Appeal.
"The accommodation I stayed in whilst they were in hospital meant I could be closer to them and helped me to get ready for taking them home," she said.
"The free Wi-Fi enabled us to FaceTime family and friends, and the Stars Appeal playroom gave our older children space to go and play when they needed a break. The charity also funded some of the vital equipment that helped to keep our boys alive and here with us today.”
Further support was provided through the chaplains and other Stars Appeal funded projects, such as the Stars Appeal Live musicians playing lullabies, while the Stars Appeal Aromatherapist offered parents hand and foot massages.
“It’s important to have this kind of support available when you’ve just been through what feels like some of the worst times possible in life. It also allows you to be more focused on your babies and have fewer things to worry about,” the mum-of-five said.
The family are doing well at home now and will be raising money for the Neonatal Unit, saying the staff who cared for them are 'real life angels'.
Chantelle said: “The Neonatal Unit is hugely close to our hearts, and we are extremely grateful for everything they have done for the triplets and our family.”
It's free to register for Walk for Wards and walkers need to commit to raising £20 per person. Participants can choose from a 3k, 5k or 10k route. Sign up at www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards
To sponsor the Sims family visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TheSimsTriplets