Stars Appeal launches Walk for Wards 2024

The annual sponsored walk around the Wilton House Estate attracts thousands of participants annually. This year it takes place on Sunday, July 7th.

A special launch was held at Wilton House with Stars Appeal President, the Earl of Pembroke, who was joined by some of the charity’s Hospital Ambassadors and representatives from Salisbury Reds, 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 2nd 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 over 2,000 walkers support the event.

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

Walk for Wards is free to enter and held with the 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 and 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.”

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

The charity is currently looking to fund various state-of-the-art equipment, including video scopes for head and neck cancer patients, a mechanical chest compression machine, and 20 specialist cots for newborn babies in the labour and postnatal wards.

These are in addition to ongoing projects the charity provides, including support for cancer patients, a play assistant for the Children’s Unit, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, and accommodation for the parents of seriously ill children in hospital.

Last year, donations and fundraising enabled the charity to provide Salisbury Hospital’s first 3D ultrasound machine, a new plastic surgery theatre with state-of-the-art equipment, and the latest baby heart monitors.

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 of Salisbury Reds, 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