Stars Appeal call on the local community to make 20th Walk for Wards a ‘walk to remember’

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, is calling on the community to help make its 20th Walk for Wards a “walk to remember”.

Walk for Wards, the charity’s annual sponsored walk, takes place on Sunday, July 6th, at Wilton House. Registration closes on Sunday, June 29th.

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, said: “This year marks our 20th Walk for Wards and we are calling on the community to join us to celebrate this milestone and make this a walk to remember. With a choice of 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k walks, live music from local musicians, and a chance to picnic on the Wilton House lawns, it’s a truly special way to support the Hospital’s Charity. Over 1,600 walkers have already registered and there’s still time to sign up.”

Money raised by the event helps fund Stars Appeal projects across Salisbury Hospital, including state-of-the-art equipment, enhancements to buildings, and the charity’s ongoing projects like the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi and support for people with cancer.

Chelsea Mcphee, from Salisbury, is doing the walk in memory of her dad, Scott Simmons, who passed away last year. In 2023, Scott was diagnosed with myeloma blood cancer and cared for on the hospital’s Pembroke Cancer Suite. Chelsea said, “My dad was cared for by the amazing team on the Pembroke Suite. They not only cared for my dad but cared for us as well. The Stars Appeal provided comfort in a really dark time.”

Toby Andrews, from Porton, is doing his first Walk for Wards and will be walking 10k with his mum Sam. Toby was inspired to take part to thank the hospital for the “amazing care” his family has received. The hospital saved his life and also his nana’s after she went into septic shock and had multiple organ failure.

The seven-year-old said: “I want to do this walk with my mummy to raise lots of money and to say thank you to the hospital.”

When Toby was seven-months-old he spent a week in hospital after having problems breathing. His mum Sam recalls: “Toby was incredibly unwell and as first-time parents we were so scared. The ward staff were fantastic, not just in caring for Toby but in supporting us too. Their quick thinking and action saved his life, we’re incredibly grateful.”

While Toby was in hospital Sam and her husband were able to stay by his side on Stars Appeal pull-down beds.

Sam added, “I don’t think we’ll ever be able to fully express just how much Salisbury Hospital and the Stars Appeal mean to us. They’ve been there for us through some of the hardest moments our family has faced, and taking part in Walk for Wards feels like a small way to give back for everything they’ve done.”

To make this milestone year extra special, walkers can also enjoy live performances throughout the day. Performers include Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion, Sounds Better Singers, Sock Puppet Jukebox, Wyndham St Mark's School Choir, Lucas Hardy, Wilton Band, and Tom Clements from Tom & the Clementynes.

Register for free at www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/ or call 01722 429005.