MORE than a hundred and thirty thousands pounds has been raised for the Stars Appeal.

51 people, who trekked along the Great Wall of China, raised £133,326.97, smashing their goal of £100k and made a huge contribution to the £1million the Stars Appeal needs to raise each year to help patients in Salisbury District Hospital.

The trekkers walked 70km along the ancient wall over a week in May earlier this year.

Each trekker overcame many challenges to get there.

For some, it was all about getting fit, while others overcame their fear of heights to take on some of the higher and steeper parts of the wall.

Every single trekker also pledged to raise at least £1410 for the Stars Appeal - and many raised much more.

All had their own personal reasons for trekking, and for supporting and thanking the hospital that has cared for them or someone close.

The challenge of a lifetime attracted trekkers of all ages - the youngest is in their thirties and the oldest in their seventies, many of whom had never tackled a challenge like this before.

One trekker summed up what they liked about the trek: "The challenge, the scenery, the people. Restored my faith in humanity whilst experiencing one of the wonders of the world. Life affirming!"

This was the third Stars Appeal trek and together the trekkers have now raised more than £300,000 which has gone to Stars Appeal funded projects including free Wi-Fi for all patients, a private area called the Benson Suite for families who sadly lose a baby at birth, support for cancer patients, recreational activities for Spinal Unit patients, better rehabilitation for heart patients, as well as towards new state of the art equipment.

To find out more about the Stars Appeal and future treks, follow Stars Appeal on Facebook or Twitter.