PEOPLE are being urged to put their best feet forward in aid of Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

The charity has launched Walk For Wards 2024, set for Sunday, July 7, which sees people take to the grounds of the Wilton House Estate to complete a number of routes to raise sponsorship money.

A special launch event was held at Wilton House with Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke, joined by some of the charity’s Hospital Ambassadors, along with representatives from Salisbury Reds, who are the event’s principal sponsors.

Consultant paediatrician and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Rowena Staples, said: “Every day in our Children’s Unit, Neonatal Unit and across the Hospital I see first-hand the difference the Stars Appeal makes to our patients, their families and visitors, as well as our hospital teams.

“From free Wi-Fi to state-of-the-art equipment such as the second MRI scanner and buildings like the Breast Unit.

“Walk for Wards is the Stars Appeal’s flagship event. Each summer my colleagues and I are amazed to see the huge number of people walking in support of their hospital.

“It is the support of the local community that helps to make our hospital and the Stars Appeal so special.

“I hope to see many of you walking in the beautiful Wilton Estate in support of the Stars Appeal. You will be helping to improve the hospital experience for all. Thank you.”

A record-breaking total of £157,922 was raised at last year’s Walk for Wards, which saw more than 2,000 walkers turn out to support the event.

Walkers can choose from three routes, including the family friendly 3k, a 5k walk or the more challenging 10k.

Walk for Wards is free to enter and held by kind permission of Lord and Lady Pembroke, with support from David Huckfield and his team of marshals from Wilton Rotary Club.

It also includes a free lunch and admission to the Wilton House gardens, as well as the adventure playground, after the event.

Lord Pembroke said: “Walk for Wards is the most extraordinary family event, not only is it raising funds for some incredible Stars Appeal projects, but it is a really enjoyable day out with family, children, friends and colleagues.

“Wilton House is the most beautiful estate to host the event. All of us here love to share it. The energy of the event is extraordinary, and the atmosphere is not something anyone should miss.”

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Donations from Walk for Wards help the Stars Appeal towards its goal of raising more than £1 million each year to fund projects supporting local people being treated at Salisbury District Hospital.

Walk for Wards is sponsored by Salisbury Reds, who have also chosen the Stars Appeal as their chosen Charity of the Year.

David Newton, operations manager, added: “We have long been supporters of Walk for Wards and of course Stars Appeal – which is our official good cause for 2024 and 2025. Many of our team have close links to the charity, and we’re determined to help raise as much money as possible.

“The Walk for Wards event is a wonderful family occasion – offering local people the chance to get sponsored to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Wilton Estate. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Sunday this summer, than to spend it in support of this vital community resource.”

Walkers are asked to sign up in advance and commit to raising at least £20 sponsorship per person for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury District Hospital.

To sign up, or for more information, go to www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards.