Saddle up for iconic cycling challenge to support the Stars Appeal

Monday, 3 February 2025 11:26

Stars Appeal has a new challenge for 2025 and is recruiting members for the team that will ride from Salisbury to Paris this September.

Pedal for the Stars is a sponsored bike ride of 250 miles over four days from Salisbury Hospital to Paris and takes place from September 20th to 24th, 2025.

Chair of the Stars Appeal Ambassadors, Consultant Surgeon Mr Graham Branagan, who completed a cycling challenge for the charity, said, “Getting out of your comfort zone really inspires supporters to sponsor you. Training for your adventure is a brilliant way to get fit and connect with friends and colleagues.

"The team spirit on these organised challenges is so supportive. What better way to support our hospital charity than by challenging yourself to do something different?”

Commemorating Salisbury Hospital’s connection with the Armed Forces, the route takes in sites in France with links to the Normandy Landings and D-Day before finishing under the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Participants will have the satisfaction of raising vital funds for a much-loved local charity, helping to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital, including the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients with cancer and the Stars Appeal Play Assistant on Sarum Children’s Ward.

The Stars Appeal asks all cyclists to raise at least £1,000 each to support projects across Salisbury District Hospital.

There’s still time to sign up for an information evening in Salisbury City Centre on Monday, February 10th, to find out more about the cycling challenge, including training and fundraising, and hear from Stars Appeal representatives and experts from Discover Adventure, the adventure challenge company who are organising the bike ride.

Visit www.starsappeal.org/event/stars-appeal-pedal-for-the-stars/ or call 01722 429005.