Three lucky Stars Appeal supporters have got 2023 off to a great start after scooping the top prizes in the hospital charity’s Christmas raffle.
Nigel Ellis, from Potterne, won the top prize of £1,000 while Richard Langdon, of Barford St Martin, received the second prize of £500.
The £250 third prize went to Maria Francillia from Salisbury. Five others received prizes of £50. The lucky trio were presented with their prizes on 16 January.
Top prize winner Nigel, who is 70-years-old, has supported the charity by taking part in a number of the Star Appeal’s Walk for Wards over the years, was delighted by his raffle win.
He said: “I feel overwhelmed. I support the Stars Appeal because Salisbury Hospital is my hospital.”
On finding out about his raffle windfall, second prize winner, Richard, aged 78, said: “I feel very good about winning. It is the first time I’ve won anything. I always support the Stars Appeal in various ways.”
Third prize winner, Maria, 42, who is an administration assistant at Salisbury Hospital’s Britford and Downton Wards, added: “It was just a really lovely surprise.”

The Christmas Raffle raised more than £10,000, which will go towards the £1million the Stars Appeal is aiming to raise this year to provide projects that support both patients and staff at Salisbury District Hospital.
Stars Appeal volunteer fundraiser, Jo Maslen, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to everyone who bought tickets and made donations.
“The money raised from the Christmas Raffle will go towards our £1million target to help fund projects that make such a difference to patients, their families and staff at the Hospital.”
The Hospital’s charity is looking to fund a number of projects this year, including a £142,000 echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit which will help to reduce waiting times for patients awaiting diagnosis.
It also hopes to raise funds for the following: £55,000 for new scalp cooling machines to help reduce hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy on the Pembroke Unit; a £20,000 brain function monitor for the Neonatal Unit; and a £15,000 mechanical CPR machine.

These are in addition to the ongoing projects the Stars Appeal funds, including support for cancer patients, a 24/7 chaplaincy service, a staff counsellor and free Wi-Fi.
https://starsappeal.org