Stars Appeal trekkers heading off to Jordan
A team of the charity's supporters are FINALLY going!
A team of dedicated supporters at Salisbury District Hospital's Stars Appeal are going on the trip of a lifetime this morning (Saturday 23rd April).
35 people will be trekking across the desert of Jordan over the next week to raise money for the charity and its projects around the wards.
Stars Appeal fundraiser Jo Maslen says it's been a long time coming and it's likely to bring in tens of thousands of pounds for the cause:
"We were originally due to go off this time last year, obviously that wasn't possible a year ago. So some (of the trekkers) have been signed up for nearly three years! As the Stars Appeal, we've been waiting a long time to be able to wave them off and see the amazing funds they've raised for projects around the hospital.
"More than ever in the last couple of years, we've really struggled to raise funds but wanted it - not just for the projects that we do for patients, but also for all the extra stuff that we've been doing to support the hardworking staff, who've been coping and looking after people so well while we've all been struggling with Covid."
The group are due to take on difficult sandy terrain, temperatures of around 30 degrees and desert camping during their trip.
But many have personal reasons for wanting to get involved.
Jo Jarvis from Fordingbridge is a Voluntary Services Manager at Salisbury District Hospital and says she wants to take part for her colleagues:
"I have seen staff go through their ups and downs, their peaks and troughs of every time there's a wave - how has the hospital coped with that, how have the staff coped. So actually to have signed up for this just before the pandemic hit seems like it was really appropriate and I'm really please I have now!"
It's the 4th time the charity's taken supporters on an epic trek.
Over the previous three - Grand Canyon, USA in 2015; Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru in 2017; Great Wall of China 2019 - more than £300,000 has been raised for the Stars Appeal.
To put that into context, the charity needs to raise £1 million every year for their work providing equipment and services for Salisbury District Hospital over and above what the NHS can provide.
Lynne Rose from Salisbury took part in the Great Wall of China trek, and is looking forward to going again:
"I know what to expect in terms of team spirit and whatever happens, we'll have great support. I've really got to know the trekkers this time, so I'm basically going to trek the desert with a load of friends, so it is very exciting.
"My Dad and my Mum in particular have had a lot of care (from Salisbury District Hospital). My Dad sadly died, he had cancer, so with this trek, I'm walking to thank the hospital for looking after him, but also in his memory so it's a special one."
The trekkers are being waved off this morning (Saturday 23rd April) from the Millstream coach park in Salisbury.
A choir will be singing for them while their families wish them well for the trip.
There's still a chance to support the trekkers too, through the Stars Appeal's JustGiving page.