A bumper crowd of over 2,000 people turned out to support the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards at Wilton House on Sunday (July 9).
Despite the weather forecast, the sun came out ready for walkers to set off on their 3k, 5k or 10k walks. It is hoped the event raised £100,000 for Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.
After a moment of silence to remember loved ones, Martin Starke led the countdown before Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, along with Ian Green OBE, the Chair of Salisbury District Hospital, and David Newton, from Salisbury Reds, the event’s principal sponsor, cut the ribbon to get the walk underway.
A huge number of walkers took part to thank the Hospital, inspired by 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. Many wore signs showcasing their personal reasons that inspired them to take part.
Dr Parker, who works on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at the Hospital, said: “Having this support from the community means so much to me and all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Hospital and, most importantly, the thousands of local people that the money raised will help. Thanks to the funds raised at Walk for Wards for the Stars Appeal we can do so much more to help local people in hospital.”
Money raised from the event will help towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal is aiming to raise this year to fund projects including a £140,000 additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit, support for patients with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, and accommodation for parents on the special care baby unit and the children’s ward.
Helena Sinclair, from the Stars Appeal, who organised the walk, added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous support for this year’s Walk for Wards from the local community. We want to say a massive thank you to 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, and everyone who contributed to the event, making it such a brilliant success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!”
To find out more about projects funded by the Stars Appeal visit https://starsappeal.org/our-work/.
A date for Walk for Wards 2024 will be announced soon.
Feature Image: Simon Ward
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