Amputee one of hundreds in Stars Appeal Walk for Wards today
It's the Salisbury District Hospital charity's biggest event of the year
Hundreds of people will be supporting Salisbury District Hospital today by taking part in Stars Appeal's Walk for Wards.
The event, which is the charity's biggest of the year, raises critical funding for projects and new equipment within the hospital.
The walk takes place at Wilton House, with participants able to choose from a 3km, 5km or 10km route.
Walkers can choose for the money they raise to go to a specific area of the hospital, or to be used to support more general schemes.
Last year, over 2,000 people helped generate a record ÂŁ157,922.
Amputee one of hundreds supporting our hospital
One of the many people taking to the grounds of Wilton House is Andy Hockey.
Andy is taking part in his second walk for wards, despite being an amputee. He completed the 3km route last year and takes on the 5km route in 2024 alongside his wife Sam.
He lost his right leg during the Christmas period of 2022 as a result of sepsis.
Andy spent 56 days at Salisbury District Hospital, including on Radnor Intensive Care, where he was on life support, and five weeks on Odstock Ward.
He said: "My whole world was turned upside down as I underwent surgery to have my right lower leg amputated.
"I was heartbroken, absolutely devastated. I thought my life is over at 52. The following weeks were extremely difficult, I was very depressed and would wake up, look down at my missing leg and cry.
"I was worried about the future, how I would manage in a wheelchair. I felt useless, trapped, broken and scared.”
Andy says the physiotherapy team gave him 'a reason to get out of bed every morning' and he displayed iron-willed determination during his journey to walking again.
“They made me believe I would walk again. I accepted my disability and focused on my abilities. I have a lot to smile about, my prosthetic is just an inconvenience.”
Andy said he's looking forward to today's event.
“I’m looking forward to the extra challenge. It will be the longest distance I’ve walked since I’ve had my prosthetic. It’s all about pushing myself,” adds Andy, who eventually wants to do the 10k.
“I owe Salisbury Hospital my life. I had the most amazing team of people looking after me who helped me through some of my worst days.”