Jun 27th 2023
A teenager with cystic fibrosis will be walking 10k at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards to raise money for the children’s unit at Salisbury District Hospital who care for her.
Hannah Dourley, from Amesbury, is doing Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 9th with her mum Vicki Nash-Steer. They are also being joined by Vicki’s partner Wayne Wroe.
Hannah, 15, who has had long stays on Sarum Children’s Ward, says: “It is a way we can give back to the Children’s Unit for all they have done for us. Obviously, going to the hospital is not great but the staff make it better. They are amazing and like a second family.”
Hannah was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when she was just 18 days old and has been cared for by the children’s unit since she was two.
CF causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which can cause lung infections and problems with digesting food. There is currently no cure for the condition.
“It came as quite a shock,” explains mum Vicki. “The children’s unit has been so amazing with her and with me as well. The support we’ve had and the facilities they provide is fantastic. We appreciate everything they do.”
Speaking about her CF Hannah says that “it can be hard with all the medicines I have to take as I have to take a lot” but she still enjoys playing sports especially football.
Her mum Vicki adds: “Despite her life-limiting condition she never lets it hold her back and she is very sporty.”
This will be the fourth time Hannah and Vicki have taken part in Walk for Wards, which takes place on Sunday, July 9th, at Wilton House.
Money raised for Sarum Children’s Unit goes towards funding enhancements to the furnishings and décor on the ward as well as multi-sensory toys and play equipment, and diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation equipment.
Walk for Wards is free to enter and there are three routes to choose from – a 3k, 5k and 10k.
“It is a really fun day and a great atmosphere,” says Hannah.
Dr Rowena Staples, who is a consultant paediatrician on the Children’s Unit and a Stars Appeal Hospital Ambassador, says: “We can’t thank the people of our local area enough for the difference they make to the experience of children in our hospital by raising funds for our charity, the Stars Appeal. I look forward to seeing many of you at Walk for Wards.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS and Walk for Wards is a great way to say thank you to the Hospital’s staff that have cared for you or your family.
We’ve had nearly 2,000 walkers sign up so far for this year’s Walk for Wards.
There is less than a week left to sign up for Walk for Wards. It is free to register, all you have to do is sign up in advance and commit to raising at least £20 sponsorship for your chosen ward or department.
Also included in the entry is a free lunch and admission to the Wilton House grounds as well as the adventure playground after the walk.
If you would like to take part you have until Sunday, July 2 to register.