Over 2,000 take on Stars Appeal Walk for Wards 2024
It's hoped it'll raise at least £100,000 for Salisbury District Hospital's charity
More than 2,000 people have walked for wards in aid of the Stars Appeal this year - with hopes they'll raise at least £100,000 for Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
Those taking part braved the heavy showers to complete a 3K, 5K or 10K route around the grounds of Wilton House on Sunday (7th July).
After some of the walkers shared their reasons for taking part, Martin Starke, from Greatest Hits Radio, led the countdown before Dr Tracey Parker, Consultant on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at the Hospital and Stars Appeal Ambassador, along with Stars Appeal President, the Earl of Pembroke, cut the ribbon to get the walk underway.
Dr Parker said:
“It was magnificent to see so many people at Wilton House for Walk for Wards. Incredibly, the wet weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits, and the desire to support our lovely hospital was as strong as ever. It was, as always, very emotional to see the little messages affixed to our supporter's shirts, sharing why they are walking.
“The money raised will go towards a range of fantastic Stars Appeal projects, benefitting thousands of local people in our hospital. We cannot thank our walkers enough for their unwavering support. It’s simply amazing!”
Participants chose to support whichever ward or departments at our hospital they wanted to, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child.
Some walkers dressed in colourful outfits including Star Wars characters and Spider-Man, while a team from Wilton Fire Station did the 10k in their firefighting gear.
Francesca and Tim Evans were walking in support of the Neonatal Unit who cared for their now eight-month-old daughter Margaux, who was born two months premature last October and spent a month in hospital.
During this time Francesca was able to stay with Margaux in the Stars Appeal parents’ accommodation.
Francesca said: “We wanted to thank all the people on the Neonatal Unit. I felt so lucky that I could stay on the ward with Margaux the whole time. Being able to be with her felt like I could be a mum from the very beginning, without the Stars Appeal it wouldn’t have been possible.
“It was a lovely walk and so fantastic to see parts of the Wilton Estate that we never get to see,” added Francesca who was taking part in Walk for Wards for the first time.
It is hoped the 19th Walk for Wards, has raised over £100,000, towards the £1 million annual target for the Stars Appeal.
Projects the charity's currently fundraising for include six high-definition videoscopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000 to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.
Helena Sinclair, from the Stars Appeal who organised the walk, said:
“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Wards. We also want to thank our hosts Lord and Lady Pembroke and the team at the Wilton Estate, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, David Huckfield and the Rotary Club marshals for their support, and all our wonderful volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for our 20th Walk for Wards event!”
A date for Walk for Wards 2025 will be announced soon.