THE Earl of Pembroke helped to launch this year’s Walk for Wards on Friday alongside Salisbury Reds and Rotarians.

The event is taking place on July 3 and will include a new 5km route in addition to a family-friendly 3km walk and a more challenging 10km route.

The 5km route is challenging, following the 10km walk route but does not take in the woodland area.

Stars Appeal chairman Toddy Westrop said: “It’s the most incredible event. You can turn up to this event on your own and chat the whole way round. Everyone talks to each other. A lot of people have written on their back who they’re walking for – a special someone, and every year I end up in tears looking at the messages.

“There is such a special atmosphere. We’re so lucky to have Wilton House and we’re so grateful to the rotarians and Salisbury Reds for their help.”

David Huckfield from Wilton Rotary organises around 30 marshals who mark out the course, put up the signs up and help on the day in case people get lost.

He said: “It’s a great atmosphere.

Last year there were over 2,000 people, it was exciting to see everybody there with slogans on their T-shirts.”

Dave Cates from the Stars Appeal said: “The beauty of this event is that you can walk for any ward in the hospital and it’s so touching to see the reasons why on people’s backs. It’s a beautiful and emotional day, and we are so grateful to everyone who takes part.”

The day is free to enter and includes a free lunch and free admission to the Wilton House grounds and huge adventure playground.

All participants must raise a minimum £15 sponsorship.

All walks start together at around 10.30am.Lord Pembroke, president of the Stars Appeal, said: “My part in the Stars Appeal started with Dave approaching me knowing that I had been born prematurely at Salisbury District Hospital, and was in NICU, and that was our first campaign.

“Since then, I have been passionate about the Stars Appeal and we try to host as many events on the Wilton Estate as possible.

“We also hold other charity events. Walk for Wards is by far the most popular, and the biggest, and grows year on year. It’s an absolutely lovely event.”

For more details, or to sign up, visit starsappeal.org