Thousands walking in support of Salisbury District Hospital
It's the 20th Stars Appeal Walk for Wards at Wilton House
Over 2,000 people are taking part in the 20th Walk for Wards at Wilton House today.
They're walking one of four routes, 3km, 5km, 10km, or the new-for-2025 15km, around the grounds in support of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital's charity.
People take part in memory of loved ones who were cared for at the hospital, or to give back and say "thank you" to the wards who cared for them at the hospital.
Events and Community Fundraising Manager, Helena Sinclair, says the number of people taking part shows the strength of the community.
She said: "We feel this is probably one of the biggest community fundraising events. Maybe not just in Salisbury, probably further afield as well.
"To see 2000 people coming year on year and some people have actually done the walk for the last 10 years, there is a couple of people that have done it for the last 20 years, it just shows that they want to keep coming back to say thank you."
As the event marks its 20th anniversary, Helena said it's a huge milestone for the charity.
"Back in 2006, when the event first started, I don't think we ever comprehended that we would get it to this scale over the years it's raised over £1.5 million as well, welcoming thousands of local people here to will and house.
"We're so grateful that 20 years down the line, we are still here doing the walk and welcoming lots of people."
Cancer patient walking to thank staff for treatment and care
Among those who will be walking the 10km route today is Marie Gower from Winterslow, who is being treated for breast cancer.
She'll be walking alongside her husband Trevor, to support the work of the hospital charity that she describes as "phenomenal" and to say thank you for the her care on the Pembroke Cancer Unit.
She said: “At my first chemotherapy treatment I was terrified, and my emotions were very much raised. The whole of the Pembroke Suite staff were amazing and kind, but I still couldn't stop crying. It was towards the end of my first treatment that I met the wonderful Stars Appeal Aromatherapist. The aromatherapy really made me feel pampered and me again at a time when I really was feeling anything but me.”
“The Stars Appeal really has made the most amazing difference not just to me, but also my husband as we have gone through my cancer treatment,” adds Marie. “The Stars Appeal provide funding within the Pembroke Suite which has helped me in so many ways from the aromatherapy to the hot drinks and snacks whilst undergoing treatment each week, which are fantastic.”
Events like Walk for Wards help fund numerous projects across the hospital, including providing cancer patients with free headwear. It also funds enhancements to the furnishings and décor of the Pembroke Cancer Unit, and built and maintains the hospital’s first-ever Breast Unit.
Marie added“The work the Stars Appeal funds is phenomenal so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds to help others feel an extra arm of support and benefit as I have at such an awful time is an absolute privilege.”
This is the first time Marie has taken part in Walk for Wards, but insists it won't be her last.
She said: "My husband has been with me every step of this journey and more - the emotional and day-to-day support, helping me come to terms with my diagnosis, each scan, the tears, the hair loss, exhaustion and simply driving me to and from all my appointments. To be able to do the walk together and make a difference and give something back is the icing on the cake.”