WALKERS turned out in force to show their support for Salisbury District Hospital at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards at Wilton House where it is hoped £100,000 was raised.

More than 2,000 participants registered to take part in the Stars Appeal’s flagship fundraising event on Sunday (July 7).

SJ Fitness warmed the crowd up Picture Mike Boss

Money raised will go towards the £1million the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, aims to raise more than £100,000 this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.

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After some of the walkers shared their reasons for taking part, Martin Starke, from Greatest Hits Radio, led the countdown before Dr Tracey Parker, Consultant on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at the Hospital and Stars Appeal Ambassador, along with Stars Appeal President, the Earl of Pembroke, cut the ribbon to get the walk underway.

Martin Starke, Lord Pembroke, Dr Tracey Parker Picture: Simon Ward, Spencer Mulholland, Donald Capewell

Dr Parker said: “It was magnificent to see so many people at Wilton House for Walk for Wards. Incredibly, the wet weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and the desire to support our lovely hospital was as strong as ever. It was, as always, very emotional to see the little messages affixed to our supporter’s shirts, sharing why they are walking.

Walkers setting off Picture: Simon Ward, Spencer Mulholland, Donald Capewell

“The money raised will go towards a range of fantastic Stars Appeal projects, benefitting thousands of local people in our hospital. We cannot thank our walkers enough for their unwavering support. It’s simply amazing!”

Participants were walking 3k, 5k, or 10k 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 friend, parent, sibling or child.

Francesca and Tim Evans were walking in support of the Neonatal Unit who cared for their now eight-month-old daughter Margaux, who was born two months premature last October and spent a month in hospital. During this time Francesca was able to stay with Margaux in the Stars Appeal parents’ accommodation.

Francesca said: “We wanted to thank all the people on the Neonatal Unit. I felt so lucky that I could stay on the ward with Margaux the whole time. Being able to be with her felt like I could be a mum from the very beginning, without the Stars Appeal it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“It was a lovely walk and so fantastic to see parts of the Wilton Estate that we never get to see,” said Francesca who was taking part in Walk for Wards for the first time.

Andy Hockey, who had to have his leg amputated after being diagnosed with sepsis took on the 5k walk to say thank you for the care he received on Odstock Ward.

Andy Hockey with his wife Sam Picture: Simon Ward, Spencer Mulholland, Donald Capewell

It was the longest distance he had walked on his prosthetic leg. After crossing the finish line, he said: “I’m proud I did it. It was the toughest challenge I’ve had since my amputation. It means so much to me to be able to do this because of everything the hospital has done for me.”

Picture: Simon Ward, Spencer Mulholland, Donald Capewell

Projects the charity are currently fundraising for include six high-definition videoscopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000 to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.

This is in addition to ongoing work such as support for patients with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, and accommodation for parents whose children are being cared for on the Neonatal Unit or the Children’s Ward to name just a few.

Walk for Wards is sponsored by Salisbury Reds and all the routes were marshalled by a team, which included local Rotary Club members, led by David Huckfield.

The rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the walkers Picture: Simon Ward, Spencer Mulholland, Donald Capewell

Helena Sinclair, from the Stars Appeal who organised the walk, added: “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part in Walk for Wards. We also want to thank our hosts Lord and Lady Pembroke and the team at the Wilton Estate, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, David Huckfield and the Rotary Club marshals for their support, and all our wonderful volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for our 20th Walk for Wards event!”

To find out more about projects funded by the Stars Appeal visit www.starsappeal.org/our-work/.

A date for Walk for Wards 2025 will be announced soon.

See all the photos on the Salisbury and Avon Gazette Facebook page.