Carry on Trekking! Supporters continue fundraising quest for Stars Appeal
Trip of a lifetime postponed until April 2022
This Saturday (24th April) a 43 strong group of local adventurers should have been setting off to Jordan, walking 100km through desert to the ancient city of Petra on a fundraising trek for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
They've had to postpone their trek to 2022 because of Covid-19 restrictions. But that hasn't stopped them fundraising for their local hospital, or getting in training for their six day walk.
Between the group they've already raised tens of thousands of pounds through sponsorship and donations, cake, chutney and craft sales, and even a fixed bike challenge, with plans for more activities over the next few months.
The money they raise is going towards the ÂŁ1m the charity aims to raise each year to enhance care for patients across all Wards and Departments at our local hospital and support the NHS staff who care for them.
The Trekkers have all been walking regularly during lockdown.
Now that guidelines for organised sports have changed, they can train together again, thanks to Lynne Rose, a second-time trekker who's qualified as a walk leader since her first fundraising trek.
POIGNANT REASONS FOR TAKING PART IN THE TREK
Retired police officer Colin Ford has already raised more than ÂŁ4,000 for the Stars Appeal through donations from friends, former colleagues, golf buddies and family, and by selling the Christmas sleighs he makes.
He explains why he's getting involved
"In February 2011, aged 50, I was diagnosed as having prostate cancer. I had surgery and all was well. Then in March 2016 it was discovered that I had a cancer in my left ureter (the tube along which fluids pass from the kidneys to the bladder) and had my left kidney together with the ureter removed to get rid of all signs of the cancer. Then that October, following a routine colonoscopy, I was devastated to be told that they had found that I had bowel cancer. Once again I had surgery, followed by a course of chemotherapy, and spent some time in the Pembroke Suite."
"More than four years on from the last surgery, I am well and clear of cancer. All my surgeries, treatment, scans and check-ups have been carried out at Salisbury District Hospital. The consultants, surgeons and everyone concerned with my care have undoubtedly saved my life on at least three occasions. I owe my life to them all and want to give something back. I am trekking to raise money for the Stars Appeal so that they can continue to help the hospital provide the best care for the people in our community as they did and continue to do so for me."
Dr Heidi Burrows, from Salisbury, works as a Regulatory and Quality Director for a feed additive company based in Marlborough.
Her own cancer journey has inspired her to take part.
"Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2018 I have spent a lot of time in various departments at Salisbury District Hospital. Alongside the great care that I received I was also very grateful for the 'extras' that were supported by the Stars Appeal - from the Breast Unit itself and the extra CT scanner to the free wifi that I took great advantage of! "
"Having a dedicated breast unit meant that all the tests I needed could be done in the same place and reduce the time of waiting for results, and that was such a relief. The extras provided by the Stars Appeal in the Pembroke Suite during my regular visits really helped me. The free wi-fi meant I could work, read the news or watch a film while having chemotherapy, the free head scarf meant I could try different ways to cover my bald head and the sandwiches and tea kept me going! I am currently showing no evidence of disease - you are never 'cured'.
Heidi says having the trek to focus on has helped with her recovery.
"While going through treatment I hung onto the thought of reaching 50, and afterwards I was determined to get fit and more active. Then I heard about the trek to Petra and it seemed to be made for me - it was a month before my 50th birthday, would give me a focus to keep fit and meant I could give back to the hospital. The day I signed up I met a couple of friends and told them - and now they are coming as well! We have already raised over ÂŁ9,000 between us, which includes my husband running his first ever marathon to support us. "
Heidi says the trip's postponement will give her another year to stay focused on fitness and put on more events to raise funds for the Stars Appeal.
PETRA'S GOING TO PETRA
Another participant is Petra Bowman, a Sister working in the Emergency Department at Salisbury District Hospital.
"Working in Salisbury Hospital, I see and appreciate the fantastic work of the Stars Appeal every day and I would love to make a contribution myself. "
Petra will be joined by 11 other current or former NHS workers.
The Stars Appeal says there are still spaces available, anyone interested should contact Jo Malsen via email jo.maslen@nhs.net
TREKS RAISE STAGGERING AMOUNT
This is the fourth event the charity has held.
Three previous treks - Grand Canyon, USA in 2015, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru in 2017, Great Wall of China 2019 - have together raised more than ÂŁ300,000.
That money has helped a range of departments and projects includes the Breast Care Unit, the MRI Scanner, the Pembroke Unit (for patients with cancer and blood disorders), maternity services and neonatal intensive care.
All together, more than 100 local people have joined the Stars Appeal trek family, with the oldest participant a mere 81 years old when he took part!
17 of the Petra trekkers have trekked at least once before for the Stars Appeal.
Two, local financial advisor Derek Gibbens,and local plumbing business owner Robbie Newton, will have taken part in all four.
To show your support for the trekkers you can find their individual pages through JustGiving, or donate to all of them at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/starsappealpetratrekkers