Winterslow woman to take on Walk for Wards challenge after breast cancer diagnosis

A Winterslow woman who is being treated for breast cancer will be walking 10k at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards to support the “phenomenal” work of the hospital charity.

Marie Gower, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2024, will be walking with her husband Trevor at the sponsored walk on Sunday, July 6, at Wilton House, to say thank you for the care she has received on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at Salisbury Hospital. 

Stars Appeal projects support thousands of local people with cancer at the hospital. The charity funds the latest treatment and diagnostic equipment for patients with cancer as well as extras that make time in hospital more comfortable, including the Stars Appeal aromatherapist, free hot and cold drinks, and snacks during chemotherapy treatment.

The 44-year-old said: “At my first chemotherapy treatment I was terrified, and my emotions were very much raised. The whole of the Pembroke Suite staff were amazing and kind, but I still couldn't stop crying. It was towards the end of my first treatment that I met the wonderful Stars Appeal Aromatherapist. The aromatherapy really made me feel pampered and me again at a time when I really was feeling anything but me.”

“The Stars Appeal really has made the most amazing difference not just to me, but also my husband as we have gone through my cancer treatment,” adds Marie. “The Stars Appeal provide funding within the Pembroke Suite which has helped me in so many ways from the aromatherapy to the hot drinks and snacks whilst undergoing treatment each week, which are fantastic.”

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, funds other projects to help patients with cancer, including free headwear and dedicated swimming sessions in the hospital’s pool. It also supports wellbeing programmes such as prehabilitation, which offers one-to-one support to help patients prepare for surgery and treatment. The charity also funds enhancements to the furnishings and décor of the Pembroke Cancer Unit, and built and maintains the hospital’s first-ever Breast Unit. 

 “The work the Stars Appeal funds is phenomenal so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds to help others feel an extra arm of support and benefit as I have at such an awful time is an absolute privilege,” continues Marie. 

“This is the first time we've done Walk for Wards, but it won't be the last. My husband has been with me every step of this journey and more - the emotional and day-to-day support, helping me come to terms with my diagnosis, each scan, the tears, the hair loss, exhaustion and simply driving me to and from all my appointments. To be able to do the walk together and make a difference and give something back is the icing on the cake.” 

Join the Stars Appeal’s 20th Walk for Wards this July by registering for free at www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/. Participants can walk 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k route for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury Hospital.