The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, has announced that their 20th Walk for Wards raised a record-breaking total of £166,946.
Over 2,100 walkers registered to take part in the charity’s sponsored walk on Sunday, July 6th, at Wilton House.
Participants walked 3k, 5k, 10k, or the new 15k route to thank Salisbury District Hospital for the care they or their family have received, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a friend, parent, sibling, or child.
As part of the 20th event celebrations, walkers also enjoyed live entertainment from local musicians whilst picnicking on the lawns.
Chair of the Stars Appeal Ambassadors and Consultant Surgeon Graham Branagan said: “This record-breaking total is a testament to the incredible support and generosity of our local community.
"I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, sponsored somebody, volunteered, or helped organise Walk for Wards for making the 20th event so special. The money raised helps us provide the very best care for thousands of patients and their families across the hospital. Registration for Walk for Wards 2026 is now open, and we hope the community will join us on July 5 at Wilton House.”
Image: Mark Bastick
This year’s event surpassed the £150,051 raised in 2024 and the record-breaking £157,922 raised in 2023.
Money raised from the sponsored walk will go towards the £2million the Stars Appeal aims to raise to fund the latest equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, which include support for people with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, emergency patient clothing, play therapy equipment and a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit.
To date, Walk for Wards has raised over £1.5million, which has helped fund projects across Salisbury Hospital, including the hospital’s first dedicated Breast Unit, a new Children’s Unit, Cardiac Suite and family accommodation on the Neonatal Unit, as well as state-of-the-art equipment such as additional MRI and CT scanners.
The first walk took place in 2006 and was a 6-mile ramble through the Chalke Valley, starting and finishing at the Fox and Goose Pub in Coombe Bissett. The following year, the event moved to Wilton House. It has been held there ever since, except during 2020 and 2021 when the walk was held virtually due to COVID-19.
The event is held by the kind permission of Stars Appeal President Lord Pembroke and Lady Pembroke, and is sponsored by Salisbury Reds.
Walk for Wards 2026 takes place on Sunday, July 5. To find out more and register for free, visit https://starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/
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