Apr 2nd 2026
A group of 29 adventurous fundraisers are training for an unforgettable trek through the foothills of the Indian Himalayas in support of the Stars Appeal.
Their challenge takes them from McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, on a five‑day trek on rugged mountain trails, reaching altitudes of 3,200m.
The team includes Dave Chapell, from Britford, with daughter Poppy, trekking to say thank you to Salisbury District Hospital for the care his wife (her mum) Rosemary received in 2016 when she developed a life-threatening blood clot on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Dave said: “On Kilimanjaro, Rosemary was feeling unwell, but we made it to the summit and back to camp. The next morning, just ten minutes after we set off, she suddenly collapsed. She was put on a stretcher and rushed down the mountain. It was terrifying. I was running behind her, barely able to keep up. When I finally reached the bottom, she was sitting up with a drink and seemed okay. We assumed it must have been the altitude.”
The couple returned home but four days later Rosemary awoke to find her leg was swollen, discoloured and numb, and was rushed to Salisbury District Hospital by ambulance. A CT scan found a blood clot from her waist to her calf. She was given medication to treat the clot.
“When Rosemary was in hospital, it was the Stars Appeal funded CT scanner that found the life‑threatening clot and helped save her life. Thanks to the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, she was able to tell us what had happened and keep us updated. And the small but meaningful touches like the teas and coffees from the charity’s beverage trolleys brought comfort not just to Rosemary, but to me as well,” adds Dave.
“The staff who cared for Rosemary went above and beyond to ensure she could be at our son’s wedding. The nurses were amazing – they helped her get ready and brought her a can of Appletiser so she could have a glass of fizz to celebrate. They did everything they could to make the day special. Supporting this trek is our way of giving back to Salisbury Hospital and the Stars Appeal for everything they’ve done for us.”
Salisbury Hospital Consultant Ophthalmologists, Mr Roger Humphry and Dr Rashi Arora, and Cardiology Consultant Dr Susie Lewis, all of them Stars Appeal Ambassadors, are also trekking.
Roger, who trekked to Petra in 2022 for the charity, said: “I’ve seen firsthand how much the Stars Appeal benefits the entire hospital, patients, staff, and departments alike. In Ophthalmology, we’ve experienced its impact directly. The Stars Appeal has made a real difference, providing cutting-edge equipment that enhances an already excellent NHS service – it’s a gamechanger for our patients.”
He added: “I’m really looking forward to partnering with patients and staff who share the same commitment to Salisbury District Hospital and the Stars Appeal. On top of that, the scenery, culture, and overall experience of the trek promise to be unforgettable – an adventure I can’t wait for. I expect the biggest challenge will be the long walking days, and for me personally, the altitude. But with the right spirit and team support, I’m ready for it.”
The trekkers set off on April 25. Each has paid their own trek costs and together they have already raised over £50,000.