Walk for Wards 2013 is launched (From Salisbury Journal)

Walk for Wards 2013 is launched

10:54am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Morwenna Blake

STARS Appeal President Lord Pembroke officially launched this year’s Walk for Wards on Monday.

The fundraiser for the Salisbury District Hospital appeal takes place annually in the grounds of Lord Pembroke’s ancestral home, Wilton House in June, and last year’s event raised £63,000.

Lord Pembroke said, “Our local hospital does such a great job and the work of the Stars Appeal makes an enormous difference to people in every ward and department.

“Come and join this year’s walk at Wilton House to raise even more funds for important charitable projects around our hospital.”

Over the last seven years, thousands of local people have joined the walk, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help fund additional care, the latest equipment and a better environment for patients at the hospital.

Walk for Wards features two routes, a 3k walk suitable for young families with toddlers and pushchairs and a more challenging 10k walk.

All walkers get a free picnic lunch, medal and the chance to enjoy the grounds and adventure playground after the walk.

Entry is free, but all walkers must register in advance and pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £15 per person.

Walkers can choose to support a particular project, ward or department, or raise funds for wherever the need is greatest.

This year the Stars Appeal is raising funds for a number of new projects including a therapeutic garden for cancer and stroke patients, heated cots for the Neonatal Unit and improving care for teenagers and young adults in the Pembroke Cancer and Blood Disorder Unit.

To register for Walk for Wards, which takes place on June 23, visit starsappeal.org or call 01722 429005.