ENTRIES are now open to support the Stars Appeal in this year’s Walk for Wards.

The event will again be hosted by the charity’s president the Earl of Pembroke, this year on Sunday, July 7.

It is free to enter and includes lunch and admission to the grounds after the walk, with 3km, 5km or 10km routes available, but all entrants must pledge to raise at least £20 sponsorship.

All routes start together at approximately 10.30am.

Walkers this year can choose to support the MRI scanner campaign for Salisbury District Hospital, or a ward or department of their choice.

The walk will be supported by Wilton House, Rotary Club of Wilton, the Journal and Spire FM, and the event’s principal sponsor is Salisbury Reds.

Richard Gagg, operations manager at the bus company said:“We are delighted to continue to support Walk for Wards and the Stars Appeal and the great work they do for the people of Salisbury and Wiltshire.

“As a large local employer, Salisbury Hospital and the Stars Appeal have a special place in the hearts of many of our team.

“Walk for Wards is a truly inspiring event and we are really pleased to be able to do our bit.”

Gemma Heath, fundraiser for 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 written on people’s back signs.

“It’s a beautiful and emotional day, and we are so grateful to everyone who takes part.

“We’re so lucky to have Wilton House and we’re so grateful to the Wilton Rotarians and Salisbury Reds for all their help.”

Katie Churchill from Ludgershall has taken part in Walk for Wards before, and said she did it because: “The Neonatal unit saved my sons life.”

When Charlotte Keen from Salisbury did Walk for Wards, she said: “[We were] raising [money] for the Benson suite where we had our baby girl Sienna last June.

“Born sleeping but grateful for the precious time we had with her to cuddle and say goodbye.”

Nancy Pallas from Salisbury said: “I work at the hospital - I’m extremely passionate and proud of the excellent care we provide our community.”

Malcolm Stevens, also from Salisbury, added: “My wife Deborah had a cycling accident and received excellent care with her hip operations, so we would like to give something back.”

Helen Griffiths, from Tidworth, said: “Back in 1983 my dad Ian Griffiths broke his leg after coming off his bike and going 40 feet up in the air.

“The hospital managed to put it all back together like a puzzle and this would be his way of saying thank you to all the staff.”

To sign-up to Walk for Wards visit: starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards