Walk for Wards 2023 to raise £100,000 for Stars Appeal

This year's Walk for Wards event, in aid of the Stars Appeal, looks set to raise £100,000.

More than 2,000 people took on the 3K, 5K or 10K courses in the grounds of Wilton Hose on Sunday (9th July).

Every participant was raising money for whichever ward or department at Salisbury District Hospital they had chosen.

Despite the dodgy weather forecast, the sun even shone for those taking part!

The walk began with a moment's silence to remember loved ones, before Greatest Hits Radio's Martin Starke sent them on their way, and completed the 5K route himself.

Dr Tracey Parker, who works on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at Salisbury District Hospital, said:

“Having this support from the community means so much to me and all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Hospital and, most importantly, the thousands of local people that the money raised will help. Thanks to the funds raised at Walk for Wards for the Stars Appeal we can do so much more to help local people in hospital.”

Money raised from the event will help towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal is aiming to raise this year.

That'll fund projects including a £140,000 additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit, support for patients with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, and accommodation for parents on the special care baby unit and the children’s ward.

Helena Sinclair, from the Stars Appeal, who organised the walk, said:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous support for this year’s Walk for Wards from the local community. We want to say a massive thank you to 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, and everyone who contributed to the event, making it such a brilliant success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!”

Walk for Wards is due to return in 2024, with a date yet to be confirmed.

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