SIGN ups for this year's Walk for Wards charity event to raise money for the Stars Appeal have opened.

The free-to-enter sponsored walk around the Wilton House Estate attracts thousands of participants every year.

Last year, a record-breaking total of £157,922 was raised by more than 2,000 walkers.

Those taking part can choose from three routes which include the family-friendly 3k, a 5k walk or the more challenging 10k.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, July 7.

Consultant paediatrician and Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Rowena Staples said she sees first-hand the difference the charity makes to her patients, their families and visitors as well as the hospital team.

"Walk for Wards is the Stars Appeal’s flagship event. Each summer my colleagues and I are amazed to see the huge number of people walking in support of their hospital. It is the support of the local community that helps to make our hospital and the Stars Appeal so special," she added.

Salisbury Journal: Walk for Wards is held at Wilton House each year.Walk for Wards is held at Wilton House each year. (Image: Simon Ward)

Walk for Wards held by permission of Lord and Lady Pembroke, with support from David Huckfield and his team of marshals from Wilton Rotary Club. It also includes a free lunch and admission to the Wilton House gardens as well as the adventure playground after the event.

Lord Pembroke said: “Walk for Wards is the most extraordinary family event, not only is it raising funds for some incredible Stars Appeal projects, but it is a really enjoyable day out with family, children, friends and colleagues.

"Wilton House is the most beautiful estate to host the event. All of us here love to share it. The energy of the event is extraordinary, and the atmosphere is not something anyone should miss.”

Donations from Walk for Wards help the Stars Appeal towards its goal of raising more than £1m each year to fund projects supporting local people being treated at Salisbury District Hospital.

The charity is currently looking to fund a variety of state-of-the-art equipment including videoscopes for head and neck cancer patients, a mechanical chest compression machine, and 20 specialist cots for newborn babies on the labour and postnatal wards.

Walk for Wards is sponsored by Salisbury Reds, who have also chosen the Stars Appeal as their chosen Charity of the Year.

Walkers are asked to sign up in advance and commit to raising at least £20 sponsorship per person for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury District Hospital.

To sign up or for more information visit starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards.