Record-breaking numbers join Stars Appeal Walk for Wards: Pictures

Paul JonesJuly 7, 20260 Comment0

MORE than 2,000 people put their best foot forward to raise money for the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal.

The 21st annual Walk for Wards event, at Wilton House on July 5, has so far raised more than £100,000 for the charity, with a record-breaking 2,210 people taking on routes of 3k, 5k, 10k or 15k.

Many took part 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 loved one.

Daisy Stenner, who walked in fancy dress as Homer Simpson with her family, said: “Last year when I was 20, I was diagnosed with cancer and had chemotherapy treatment on Pembroke Ward.

“Thanks to the incredible care I received from the amazing staff, I’m now one year in remission. To say thank you, I wanted to help support the amazing work they and the Stars Appeal do for patients going through treatment. They made something that was so horrible and dreadful more bearable.”

Picture: Claire Sheppard

Katie Merrett and her family were walking to say thank you to the Neonatal Baby Unit team, who cared for her daughter Lucia, who is now one.

Lucia was born at 32 weeks and spent a month on the unit.

“It means so much to us to be here as a family, as it was touch and go whether Lucia would survive because when she was born, she wasn’t breathing,” Katie said.

“To see the doctors and nurses who saved her life and looked after her is lovely. They are real-life angels.”

During their time on the unit, they were supported by projects funded by the Stars Appeal, including its dedicated parents’ accommodation.

“It made a massive difference to be able to stay together. I would have been so anxious if I’d had to leave Lucia, as we live 20 miles away. The thought of leaving her was horrible,” Katie added.

Funds raised from Walk for Wards will help the Stars Appeal towards the £2 million it aims to raise this year to fund projects across Salisbury Hospital, including new equipment such as a mammogram machine for the Breast Unit, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, including support for people with cancer, a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit, and Stars Appeal WiFi.

Cancer Consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, said: “My colleagues and I all take great pride in our hospital and have deep appreciation for the support of our hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.

“Every day, we see how that support touches our patients’ lives. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, those who so generously sponsored them, Lord and Lady Pembroke for hosting, our main sponsors Salisbury Reds, the marshals from Wilton and Salisbury Rotary Clubs, and the countless other people and organisations.

“Without this amazing support the light of the Stars Appeal could not shine as brightly as it does.”