MORE than 2,100 walkers have so far helped raise £100,000 for the Stars Appeal – Salisbury Hospital’s charity.

Attendees came to Wilton House on Sunday (July 6) for the 20th Walk for Wards, which saw attendees take part in a 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k route to thank Salisbury Hospital for the care they or their family have received across various wards and departments.

Some dedicated their walk in memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child.

Money raised will go towards the £2 million the Stars Appeal aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across Salisbury Hospital, which include support for people with cancer, play therapy equipment and a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit, and Stars Appeal Wi-Fi.

Marie Gower, from Winterslow, who has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer, completed the 10k route with her husband Trevor.

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She said: “Walk for Wards has been such an amazing experience.

“Since I got diagnosed with cancer, the Stars Appeal has done so much to help me throughout my whole treatment with the aromatherapy and the cups of hot chocolate, the biscuits, and the Wi-Fi so I can message my husband when I’m doing my treatment to say how it’s going, and also keep myself entertained.

“It’s a privilege to be able to give something back to the charity and the Pembroke Unit for everything that they’ve done for me and my husband.”

Lorna and Sam Foster walked the 5k with their children Emilia, five, and Josh, three, who has haemophilia, a condition affecting his blood.

They were walking in support of the children’s unit, which has been caring for Josh.

Lorna said: “The play assistant, the sensory room and the beds for parents provided by the Stars Appeal have been a godsend.

“The first major bleed Josh had, the play assistant stayed with us to help calm him down so he could get his treatment.

“She was so good with him and kept him calm and gave him a Monster Truck for being so brave. It’s fantastic to be able to give back to the hospital and the Stars Appeal who have been such a support to us.”

His dad Sam added: “The Stars Appeal play assistant makes what could be a traumatic experience enjoyable for Josh, which makes such a difference.

“The children’s unit is not a scary place, it’s a place they want to go to, which of course is so important because they have to.”

Jillie Arnold, from Wilton, who was cared for by the hospital after a fall in 2022 and took part in the 10k walk, shared her reasons for walking.

She said: “Salisbury District Hospital put me back together and gave me my life back after a near fatal fall.

“I am so lucky to be able to do the walk, without the operations and help I received I would be sitting at home. I’m an outside person and love walking. Without their help I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

To make this milestone year extra special, walkers were able to enjoy live music while picnicking on the lawn.

There was music from Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion, Sounds Better Singers, Sock Puppet Jukebox, St Mark’s Junior School Choir, Lucas Hardy, and Wilton Band.

Cancer consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker said: “Myself and my fellow ambassadors were overwhelmed by the support shown by the local community, and are deeply grateful.

“What an amazing celebration of our hospital! But the biggest thank you is on behalf of the thousands of local people who will benefit from the money raised at Walk for Wards.”

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, said: “It was fantastic to see so many walkers join us at Wilton House to celebrate our milestone 20th Walk for Wards, making this year’s event extra special.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event and to those who have so generously donated.

“We also want to thank our hosts, Lord and Lady Pembroke, and the team at the Wilton Estate, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, the Rotary Club marshals for their support, and all our wonderful volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

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

A date for Walk for Wards 2026 will be announced soon.

Picture: Donald Capewell