Pedals key to powering Salisbury charity to £1 million target
Stars Appeal is challenging people to cycle from Salisbury to Paris
Salisbury District Hospital's charity has told us more about the newest addition to it's fundraising calendar.
Later this year, dozens of cyclists are expected to ride from the hospital to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to support the Stars Appeal.
The 250-mile route will take riders past a number of historical sites to mark the hospital's military connections, including visiting sites in France with links to the Normandy Landings and D Day.
Events and Community Fundraising Manager for Stars Appeal, Helena Sinclair, told us they took inspiration from the popular London to Paris challenge.
"Hundreds of people, maybe even probably thousands of people, have done it over the years in support of charity," she said, adding that it's the 'perfect' addition to their collection of challenge events.
The charity holds it's annual Walk for Wards at Wilton House, with this years event to set to be it's 20th running.
In 2024, 33 people embarked on a trek to the lost city of Teyuna in Colombia, helping raise in excess of £80,000.
Helena said it's vital that people can support the charity and the hospital in a variety of ways.
"It's really important thing to have the diverse events and activities that people can get involved in," she said, adding: "Walk for Wards, that's for all ages and abilities to take part and give back. And then we've got the new bike ride and the trek for those wanting to take on more of a personal challenge."
Stars Appeal aims to raise £1million in 2025 to support the hospital in Salisbury, with the cash funding ongoing projects across the site, as well as free Wi-Fi for patients and visitors.
Helena told us it also allows them to help people staying at the hospital, by adding extra touches by offering clothes and essential toiletries to patients.
"If you come along to hospital in an emergency and you haven't got your toothbrush or some clean clothes, we're able to provide the simple things like that to make you feel kind of more human while you're going through what you're going through," she said.
The challenge will take place from the 20th - 24th September and interested people have a chance to find out more about it during an information night on Monday 10th February.