A GROUP of 29 determined fundraisers are preparing to swap Wiltshire for the mountains of northern India as they take on a demanding trek in aid of Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

The team will set off on April 25 for a five-day journey through the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, climbing rugged trails to heights of 3,200 metres.

Starting in McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, the challenge promises both breathtaking scenery and physical endurance.

Among those taking part are Dave Chapell, from Britford, and his daughter Poppy, whose motivation is deeply personal.

They are trekking to thank Salisbury District Hospital for the care given to Dave’s wife, Rosemary, after a terrifying medical emergency following a climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dave recalled: “On Kilimanjaro, Rosemary was feeling unwell, but we made it to the summit and back to camp.

“The next morning, just ten minutes after we set off, she suddenly collapsed. She was put on a stretcher and rushed down the mountain. It was terrifying.

“I was running behind her, barely able to keep up. When I finally reached the bottom, she was sitting up with a drink and seemed okay. We assumed it must have been the altitude.”

Dave and Rosemary on Kilimanjaro.

Back in the UK, the seriousness of her condition soon became clear.

A scan at Salisbury District Hospital revealed a life-threatening blood clot stretching from her waist to her calf.

“When Rosemary was in hospital, it was the Stars Appeal funded CT scanner that found the life-threatening clot and helped save her life,” Dave said.

“The staff who cared for Rosemary went above and beyond to ensure she could be at our son’s wedding. They did everything they could to make the day special.”

Hospital consultants and Stars Appeal ambassadors are also joining the trek, including ophthalmologist Roger Humphry.

“I’ve seen firsthand how much the Stars Appeal benefits the entire hospital,” he said. “It’s a gamechanger for our patients.”

Dr Susie Lews, Mr Roger Humphry and Dr Rashi Aroshi.

The group has already raised more than £50,000, with every participant covering their own costs, ensuring vital funds go directly to supporting patients and staff.