Jul 7th 2026
The community came together to show their support for Salisbury Hospital at our 21st Walk for Wards and have so far raised over £100,000.
A record-breaking 2,210 walkers registered to take part in the sponsored walk on Sunday, July 5 at Wilton House.
Participants walked 3k, 5k, 10k or 15k to thank the hospital for the care they or their family have received across various wards and departments, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a loved one.
Daisy Stenner, pictured below, who walked in fancy dress as Homer Simpson with her family, said: “Last year when I was 20, I was diagnosed with cancer and had chemotherapy treatment on Pembroke Ward. Thanks to the incredible care I received from the amazing staff, I’m now one year in remission. To say thank you, I wanted to help support the amazing work they and the Stars Appeal do for patients going through treatment. They made something that was so horrible and dreadful more bearable.”
Katie Merrett and her family were walking to say thank you to the Neonatal Baby Unit team who cared for her daughter Lucia who is now one. Lucia was born at 32 weeks and spent a month on the unit. Katie said: “It means so much to us to be here as a family, as it was touch and go whether Lucia would survive because when she was born, she wasn’t breathing. To see the doctors and nurses who saved her life and looked after her is lovely. They are real-life angels.”
During their time on the unit, they were supported by projects funded by the Stars Appeal, including its dedicated parents’ accommodation. Katie said: “It made a massive difference to be able to stay together. I would have been so anxious if I’d had to leave Lucia, as we live 20 miles away. The thought of leaving her was horrible.”
Walker Stephanie Owen, pictured above, said: “Last September I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. It’s not something you expect to happen as a 27-year-old. I’m walking for the Pembroke Suite and the Pembroke Ward who cared for me. They gave me everything I needed to get better and now I’m officially cancer free. I can’t put into words how amazing the Pembroke Unit are. They saved my life.
“While I was receiving chemotherapy on the Pembroke Suite, I was supported by Shelley, the Stars Appeal Aromatherapist, and enjoyed having foot massages. The charity also provided free snacks, and my partner was able to have drinks and coffees too while I was in hospital. The scanners funded by the Stars Appeal diagnosed my cancer. I was in hospital on Christmas Day, which was not where I wanted to be, but the Stars Appeal gave me a Christmas gift that day. They helped make a very difficult time much more bearable, and I am incredibly grateful for all their support.”
The vital funds raised from Walk for Wards will help the Stars Appeal towards the £2million it aims to raise this year to fund projects across Salisbury Hospital. These include new equipment such as a mammogram machine for the Breast Unit, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, including support for people with cancer, a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit, and Stars Appeal Wi-Fi.
Cancer Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, said: “My colleagues and I all take great pride in our hospital and have deep appreciation for the support of our hospital charity, the Stars Appeal. Every day, we see how that support touches our patients’ lives. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, those who so generously sponsored them, Lord and Lady Pembroke for hosting, our main sponsors Salisbury Reds, the marshals from Wilton and Salisbury Rotary Clubs, and the countless other people and organisations. Without this amazing support the light of the Stars Appeal could not shine as brightly as it does.”
A date for Walk for Wards 2027 will be announced soon.
Pictures by Simon Ward, Claire Sheppard and Boss Drone Photography
