THE closing date for entries to take part in this year’s Walk for Wards is on Monday, June 27.

Organised by the Stars Appeal, the annual event takes place around the Wilton Estate on July 3 and includes a new 5km route in addition to a family-friendly 3km walk and a more challenging 10km route.

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

All walks start together at around 10.30am and this year Formula 1 legend Murray Walker will be starting it.

Among those taking part this year will be a team of 35 people from Wessex Fleet.

Organiser Jasmine Petrou said: “In December last year one of my closest friends suddenly passed away in her sleep.

“She was 21 and she had a heart condition but no one knew about it, including herself.

“The Stars Appeal was her chosen charity and back in February her family and I went to the hospital to visit the charity and see the children’s ward.

“We heard about Walk for Wards there and I thought wouldn’t it be amazing to do it – I’m really chuffed that the whole Wessex Fleet and Car Lease Special Offers team are taking part.

“We are of course looking to raise money and awareness for the Stars Appeal to help this great charity and we would really appreciate it if any one could spare just a few pennies to help us raise our £1,000 target and hopefully more.”

Each year Lord Pembroke, president of the Stars Appeal, opens the grounds of his ancestral home for the event.

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.

So far around 1,800 people have signed up to take part in the event next month.

The Stars Appeal is Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.

It raises funds to enhance care for patients across all wards and departments from cardiac care and cancer care to the children’s department.

People can direct their donation towards the ward or department of their choice with all funds raised going to benefit local people.

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

All participants must raise a minimum £15 sponsorship.