TREKKERS from Salisbury and Wilton who embarked on a Grand Canyon adventure raised more than £64,000 for the Stars Appeal.

The group of 21 included nurses from the hospital, local business people and school teachers.

They presented the cheque to Salisbury District Hospital’s chief executive Peter Hill and Stars Appeal chairman Toddy Westropp last week.

Jonathan Bryan, managing director and founder of Discover Adventure, which organised the trek, also donated £700 as part of the event.

Jas Hair owner Jayne Prigent, whose idea the trek was who came up with the trek idea, said: “I walked the Sahara in 2012 and that was in aid of the Stars Appeal but more of an open challenge with people raising money for all kinds of different charities.

“I thought it would be really good to have a bespoke trek where we could all raise a substantial amount for the Stars Appeal – a challenge that enabled us to give something back.

“It was a great community adventure. We did a series of training sessions together before the trek itself.

“While it was a challenge to trek the Grand Canyon, for me that was blown out of the water by the amount we raised. That was the reward and the highlight was being with everyone. We really gelled and there was a great team spirit.

“We’ve met up a few times since for walks and we’re already planning our next trek in 2017, which will also be for the Stars Appeal.

“I’ve always lived in Salisbury and have three hairdressing salons in the area. We deal with a few thousand customers every single month and nearly everyone is touched by Salisbury District Hospital, whether from women with breast cancer to children in need of treatment.”

n A charity clay pigeon shoot organised in memory of Doug Gower raised £8,270 for the Stars Appeal Breast Cancer Unit Campaign.

Paul Gower said: “We started the Doug Gower memorial shoot in 2007 when my father died to raise money for the Pembroke Ward, where my father was treated so well, and we have continued to run it ever since, giving help to many worthy causes.

“This year we decided to give all the money to the new breast care unit as we thought it was a special cause and ever more meaningful as my sister-in-law Wendy was successfully treated by the wonderful breast care nurses and doctors. The new unit will make it so much better for everyone.

“A huge thank you to all those who helped make the event possible including Alistair Thorne, Greenfield Gunmakers and Salisbury Glass.”