Sep 29th 2025
We’re delighted to announce that your amazing support at our 20th Walk for Wards raised a record-breaking total of £166,946.
Over 2,100 walkers registered to take part in our flagship sponsored walk on Sunday, July 6 at Wilton House.
Participants walked 3k, 5k,10k or the new 15k route to thank Salisbury District Hospital for 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.
As part of the 20th event celebrations, walkers enjoyed live entertainment from local musicians whilst picnicking on the lawns.
Stars Appeal Ambassador and Consultant Surgeon Graham Branagan said: “This record-breaking total is a testament to the incredible support and generosity of our local community. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, sponsored somebody, volunteered, or helped organise Walk for Wards for making the 20th event so special. The money raised helps us provide the very best care for thousands of patients and their families across the hospital. Registration for Walk for Wards 2026 is now open, and we hope the community will join us on July 5 at Wilton House.”
This year’s event surpassed the £150,051 raised in 2024 and the record-breaking £157,922 raised in 2023.
Money raised from this year’s event will go towards the £2million the Stars Appeal aims to raise to fund the latest equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across the hospital, which include support for people with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, emergency patient clothing, play therapy equipment and a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Unit.
To date, Walk for Wards has raised over £1.5million, which has helped fund projects across Salisbury Hospital including the hospital’s first dedicated Breast Unit, a new Children’s Unit, Cardiac Suite and family accommodation on the Neonatal Unit, as well as state-of-the-art equipment such as additional MRI and CT scanners.
The first Walk for Wards took place in 2006 and was a 6-mile ramble through the Chalke Valley, which started and finished at the Fox and Goose Pub in Coombe Bissett. The following year, the event moved to Wilton House, the home of Stars Appeal President the Earl of Pembroke. It has been held there ever since except during 2020 and 2021 when the walk was held virtually due to Covid-19.
The event is held by kind permission of our President Lord Pembroke and Lady Pembroke and sponsored by Salisbury Reds.
SAVE THE DATE – WALK FOR WARDS 2026
SUNDAY 5TH JULY
We hope to see you there!
Take a look at this video of our 20th Walk for Wards. You can also sign up for next year’s sponsored walk by clicking the yellow button below.
