THIS year’s Walk for Wards is set to break all records as hundreds of people are signing up to support Salisbury District Hospital.

The popular event takes place in the grounds of Wilton House on June 21 and involves a 3km route as well as a 10km route.

Dave Cates from the Stars Appeal said: “We have over 1,100 signed up so far which is massive.

“We have never, ever had this many at this stage before - usually it is about 750 at this stage.

“We really want to smash 2,000 this year.

"People have been signing up to walk in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign as well as many other wards."

This year, Sarah Pearson, 47, will be taking part in the event to raise money for the appeal along with her husband Mark and two children, Rebecca, 14, and Ben, 13.

Last summer, she was diagnosed with an advanced form of breast cancer and over the last nine months, has undergone surgery to remove a tumour, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said: “The hospital has been superb from the moment I went to the GP having found a lump and was referred there.

“They were just really reassuring, efficient and lovely all the way through.

“I thought the least I could do to say thank you was to raise some money to help them build a dedicated breast care unit so they can continue to give successful care.”

Sarah, who has no record of breast cancer in her family, said: It takes over everything and you have no idea what’s going to happen but the nurses and the oncologist were really good and understanding, and my family have been a great support.”

Walk for Wards is free to enter and includes a free lunch and free admission to the Wilton House grounds and the adventure playground afterwards.

All participants must raise a minimum £15 sponsorship. For more details visit starsappeal.org

*On Saturday, supporters of the Stars Appeal Breast Cancer Campaign were joined by a host of Star Wars characters from UK Garrison during a street collection in Salisbury which raised £716.84