Jun 8th 2026
A group of 29 local people who completed a trek in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas are celebrating after raising £91,973 for the Stars Appeal.
The trekkers journeyed from McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, and over five days wound up and down steep mountain trails, reaching altitudes of 3,000m.
A special celebration evening was held on Tuesday 2nd June at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury to announce the total raised by the trekkers.
First-time trekker, Adrian Abbott, from Salisbury, who was cared for at the hospital after a cardiac arrest in 2023, said: “I’m really proud to have played a part in raising this fantastic total, and I feel very fortunate to have met such an inspiring group of people. The trek was tough, and definitely not a holiday, but reaching the camp together as a team and seeing those incredible mountain views was really special.
“The Stars Appeal is incredibly important to me and projects funded by the charity supported me after my cardiac arrest. We are so lucky to have the hospital and the support the Stars Appeal provides – you can’t walk through the hospital without seeing the difference the charity is making.”
Colin Ford, from Salisbury, who has been treated for three separate cancers and completed three Stars Appeal treks, added: “The trek was challenging but the camaraderie and support of everyone was incredible. It’s been 10 years since my last cancer, and taking on this trek is my way of thanking all the staff at the hospital for the life-saving care I have received. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“I have benefitted from so many facilities funded by the Stars Appeal during my treatment, from CT and MRI scanners to the free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee trollies on the wards. The charity has made the care I’ve received even better and this money raised will help people like me, now and in years to come.”
During the celebration, Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee member Louise Hall gave the committee’s thanks to the trekkers. Staff from the hospital, who volunteer as Stars Appeal Clinical Ambassadors, spoke of the difference funds raised for the charity make to patients.
Louise Hall said: “A huge thank you to all our trekkers for their incredible commitment and determination, and to everyone who has so generously supported their fundraising. Their dedication is truly inspiring, and our hospital wouldn’t be able to offer everything it does for patients, their families and the incredible staff, without supporters like them. Their efforts make a difference to many people every day.”
The Stars Appeal also revealed its next trek destination. In February 2028, supporters can set out on an 100km adventure across the Sahara Desert. To find out more, and sign up for the launch event this October, Click the yellow button below to find out more.