A RECORD total of more than £150,000 was raised by walkers who took part in a special event in aid of the Stars Appeal.

Participants in the Salisbury Hospital charity’s Walk for Wards event, in July, brought in a whopping £157,922 for the cause, it has been announced.

More than 2,000 people turned out for the flagship event, which took place on July 9, at Wilton House, with many dedicating their walk to the memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child.

A total of 41 different wards, departments and Stars Appeal projects benefited from the sponsorship raised by walkers, including funding for equipment in the Neonatal Unit, recreational activities for patients at the Spinal Treatment Centre and for the Benson Suite to support families who sadly lose a baby at birth.

Dr Tracey Parker, consultant haematologist and Stars Appeal Ambassador, who addressed the crowd before the start of the walk, said: “We are deeply touched and hugely grateful that so many of our patients and their families took part in Walk for Wards 2023 and, despite the challenging times we face, raised this record-breaking sum of money.

More than 2,000 people took part in the 2023 Walk for Wards event. Picture: Simon Ward

“Every day I see first-hand the difference the charity makes for patients, their loved ones, and staff through the incredible range of projects that Stars Appeal supporters enable us to fund.

“I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who took part, sponsored somebody, volunteered, or helped organise Walk for Wards for their support.”

Participants chose to walk either a 10k, 5k or 3k route, which took in the surroundings of the Wilton Estate, the home of Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke.

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.

Money raised from Walk for Wards will help towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal is aiming to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.

The previous Walk for Wards record was in 2016 when £121,000 was raised.

Registration is now open for Walk for Wards 2024, set to take place on Sunday, July 7, again at Wilton House. For more information, and to sign up, visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards.