Inside Salisbury: Plea for Walk for Wards support plus free bus travel for military personnel
Support for Military Personnel on Armed Forces Day
By Annette J Beveridge
A PLEA to help make a forthcoming charity event one to remember has been sent out.
Walk for Wards, the Stars Appeal annual sponsored walk, is to take place on Sunday, July 6, at Wilton House, and registration for the event closes on Sunday, June 29.
Stars Appeal spokesperson said: “This year marks our 20th Walk for Wards and we are calling on the community to join us to celebrate this milestone and make this a walk to remember.
“With a choice of 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k walks, live music from local musicians, and a chance to picnic on the Wilton House lawns, it’s a truly special way to support the Hospital’s Charity. Over 1,600 walkers have already registered and there’s still time to sign up.”
Money raised by the event helps fund Stars Appeal projects across Salisbury Hospital including state-of-the-art equipment, enhancements to buildings, and the charity’s ongoing projects like the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi and support for people with cancer.
Picture: Chelsea Mcphee and her dad Scott
Chelsea Mcphee, from Salisbury, is doing the walk in memory of her dad, Scott Simmons, who passed away last year. In 2023, Scott was diagnosed with myeloma blood cancer and cared for on the hospital’s Pembroke Cancer Suite.
Chelsea said: “My dad was cared for by the amazing team on the Pembroke Suite. They not only cared for my dad but cared for us as well. The Stars Appeal provided comfort in a really dark time.”
Picture: Toby Andrews with his mum Sam
Toby Andrews, 7, from Porton, is doing his first Walk for Wards and will be walking 10k with his mum Sam. Toby was inspired to take part to thank the hospital for the “amazing care” his family has received. The hospital saved his life and also his nana’s after she went into septic shock and had multiple organ failure.
Toby said: “I want to do this walk with my mummy to raise lots of money and to say thank you to the hospital.”
When Toby was seven months old, he spent a week in hospital after having problems breathing.
His mum Sam, said: “Toby was incredibly unwell and as first-time parents we were so scared. The ward staff were fantastic, not just in caring for Toby but in supporting us too. Their quick thinking and action saved his life. We’re incredibly grateful.”
While Toby was in the hospital, Sam and her husband were able to stay by his side on Stars Appeal pull-down beds.
Sam added: “I don’t think we’ll ever be able to fully express just how much Salisbury Hospital and the Stars Appeal mean to us. They’ve been there for us through some of the hardest moments our family has faced, and taking part in Walk for Wards feels like a small way to give back for everything they’ve done.”
Read more: Marine biologist talks environmental issues at Salisbury Cathedral
This year, walkers can also enjoy live performances throughout the day, including Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion, Sounds Better Singers, Sock Puppet Jukebox, Wyndham St Mark's School Choir, Lucas Hardy, Wilton Band, and Tom Clements from Tom & the Clementynes.
Watch the Walk for Wards video here.
Photo 1: Spencer Mulholland
Support for Military Personnel
Military personnel will be able to travel for free on Salisbury Reds buses on Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday, June 28, and those wearing a military uniform, displaying medals, or showing their military Identification card can have free travel all day.
Salisbury Reds Head of Communications, Nikki Honer, said: “People living across our area are incredibly proud of our military - and so is our team. As part of this community, we want to show our support for servicemen and women.
“Our troops work tirelessly to keep us and our allies safe. They have done this in the past and they are still doing it now - often in unimaginably hostile environments. We want to show our appreciation in this small way to help them travel to events or to see family and friends on Armed Forces Day.”
