Walk for Wards raises estimated £90,000 for Stars Appeal
Hundreds of walkers took part to support the hospital charity
The Walk for Wards fundraiser for the Stars Appeal has raised an estimated £90,000 for Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
It happened at Wilton House over the weekend and was the first time it's been there since 2019, with the last two taking place virtually due to Covid-19.
Around 1,700 people came out to take part, and they were rewarded with great walking weather.
Lord Pembroke, President of the Stars Appeal, welcomed the crowd to his home before handing over to Salisbury District Hospital Chief Executive Stacey Hunter who gave examples of how the charity helps local people being treated at the Hospital and the NHS staff who care for them.
A minutes silence was held before Greatest Hits Radio presenter Martin Starke led a countdown to the start.
Walkers could complete either a 10k, 5k or 3k route, many donned signs on their backs detailing the reasons they were taking part.
Gemma Heath, from the Stars Appeal who organises Walk for Wards said:
“It was wonderful to see everyone back at Wilton House after three years away. We were so touched that so many people came out to support their local Hospital charity and that they had such special reasons for doing so. The walk is a team effort and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it possible: our hosts Lord and Lady Pembroke and the Wilton Estate team, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, our marshals led by the Rotary Club of Wilton, our volunteers, and especially to all the walkers and everyone who sponsored them, the money they have raised will change lives.”