A GROUP of fundraisers who trekked through the Indian Himalayas are celebrating raising an incredible £91,973 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

The 29-strong team took on the demanding challenge earlier this year, travelling from McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, and spending five days navigating steep mountain trails and high-altitude climbs of up to 3,000 metres.

Their efforts – and fundraising success – were celebrated during a special evening at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury on Tuesday, June 2, where the final total was revealed.

Among those taking part was Adrian Abbott, from Salisbury, who decided to tackle his first-ever trek after receiving care at Salisbury District Hospital following a cardiac arrest in 2023.

He said: “I’m really proud to have played a part in raising this fantastic total, and I feel very fortunate to have met such an inspiring group of people.

“The trek was tough, and definitely not a holiday, but reaching the camp together as a team and seeing those incredible mountain views was really special.”

Trekkers celebrate reaching the top!

Adrian said the Stars Appeal held special significance for him and added: “We are so lucky to have the hospital and the support the Stars Appeal provides – you can’t walk through the hospital without seeing the difference the charity is making.”

Fellow trekker Colin Ford, from Salisbury, who has been treated for three separate cancers, completed his third Stars Appeal challenge as a way of thanking hospital staff for the care he received.

“The trek was challenging but the camaraderie and support of everyone was incredible,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”

During the celebration evening, hospital staff who volunteer as Stars Appeal Clinical Ambassadors spoke about the difference fundraising makes to patients and families.

Louise Hall, from the Stars Appeal fundraising committee, praised the trekkers’ “incredible commitment and determination”.

The charity has already unveiled its next adventure – a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in February 2028, with details available at www.starsappeal.org/event/stars-appeal-trek-2028/