A record-breaking total of £157,922 was raised at the 2023 Stars Appeal Walk for Wards, the charity has announced
Over 2,000 walkers turned out to support the flagship fundraising event for Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, which took place on Sunday 9th July at Wilton House.
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.
Forty one different wards, departments and Stars Appeal projects benefited from the sponsorship raised by walkers. Areas supported included the Neonatal Unit to help fund new equipment, the Spinal Treatment Centre to provide recreational activities for patients, the Benson Suite to support families who sadly lose a baby at birth, and the Pembroke Unit for projects supporting cancer patients.
Dr Tracey Parker, Consultant Haematologist and Stars Appeal Ambassador, who addressed the crowd before the start of the walk, said: “We are deeply touched and hugely grateful that so many of our patients and their families took part in Walk for Wards 2023 and, despite the challenging times we face, raised this record-breaking sum of money.
“Every day I see first-hand the difference the charity makes for patients, their loved ones, and staff through the incredible range of projects that Stars Appeal supporters enable us to fund. I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who took part, sponsored somebody, volunteered, or helped organise Walk for Wards for their support.”
Participants chose to walk either a 10k, 5k or 3k route, which took in the beautiful surroundings of the Wilton Estate, the home of Stars Appeal President the Earl of Pembroke. Walk for Wards is sponsored by Salisbury Reds and all the routes were marshalled by a team, which included local Rotary Club members, led by David Huckfield.
Money raised from Walk for Wards will help towards the £1million the Stars Appeal is aiming to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.
The previous Walk for Wards record was in 2016 when £121,000 was raised.
Registration is now open for Walk for Wards 2024 on Sunday, July 7th at Wilton House. Visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards for more information and to sign up.