Over 2,000 join the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards in support of Salisbury Hospital

The community came together to show their support for Salisbury Hospital at the Stars Appeal’s 21st Walk for Wards and have so far raised over £100,000.

A record-breaking 2,210 walkers registered to take part in the sponsored walk on Sunday, July 5 at Wilton House, which is the flagship fundraising event for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

Participants walked 3k, 5k,10k or 15k to thank the hospital for the care they or their family have received across various wards and departments, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a loved one.

Daisy Stenner, who walked in fancy dress as Homer Simpson with her family, said: “Last year when I was 20, I was diagnosed with cancer and had chemotherapy treatment on Pembroke Ward. Thanks to the incredible care I received from the amazing staff, I’m now one year in remission. To say thank you, I wanted to help support the amazing work they and the Stars Appeal do for patients going through treatment. They made something that was so horrible and dreadful more bearable.”

Katie Merrett and her family were walking to say thank you to the Neonatal Baby Unit team who cared for her daughter Lucia, who is now one. Lucia was born at 32 weeks and spent a month on the unit. Katie said: “It means so much to us to be here as a family, as it was touch and go whether Lucia would survive because when she was born, she wasn’t breathing. To see the doctors and nurses who saved her life and looked after her is lovely. They are real-life angels.”

During their time on the unit, they were supported by projects funded by the Stars Appeal, including its dedicated parents’ accommodation. Katie said: “It made a massive difference to be able to stay together. I would have been so anxious if I’d had to leave Lucia, as we live 20 miles away. The thought of leaving her was horrible.”

The vital funds raised from Walk for Wards will help the Stars Appeal towards the £2 million it aims to raise this year to fund projects across Salisbury Hospital. These include new equipment such as a mammogram machine for the Breast Unit, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, including support for people with cancer, a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit, and Stars Appeal Wi-Fi.

Cancer Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, said: “My colleagues and I all take great pride in our hospital and have deep appreciation for the support of our hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.

"Every day, we see how that support touches our patients’ lives. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, those who so generously sponsored them, Lord and Lady Pembroke for hosting, our main sponsors Salisbury Reds, the marshals from Wilton and Salisbury Rotary Clubs, and the countless other people and organisations. Without this amazing support, the light of the Stars Appeal could not shine as brightly as it does.”

A date for Walk for Wards 2027 will be announced soon. To find out more, visit www.starsappeal.org