SHOPPERS at the Rockbourne Fair helped raise a record-breaking amount for the Salisbury District Hospital Charity, the Stars Appeal.

The three-day shopping event, which took place in October last year at the Salisbury Racecourse, raised £62,081 – £10,548 more than what was raised in 2023.

The Rockbourne Fair committee presented the record-breaking total during a special presentation at Salisbury Hospital on Wednesday (February 12).

Rockbourne Fair committee members were joined by Stars Appeal President, The Earl of Pembroke, and hospital staff outside Imber Ward, which was furnished and equipped with £600,000 of Stars Appeal funding.

READ MORE: Neighbourhood Plan could help “preserve the character” of Salisbury

READ MORE: Saddle up for iconic Salisbury to Paris cycle challenge – and support the Stars Appeal

Bev Moulding, chair of the Rockbourne Fair Committee, said she cannot thank visitors, stallholders, sponsors and volunteers enough.

“Every single person who attended and made a purchase played a part in making a real difference to Salisbury Hospital’s patients and staff. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this October for another fantastic event, save the dates.”

Shoppers at this year’s Rockbourne Fair Picture: Stars Appeal/Spencer Mulholland Photography

As part of the presentation, the committee visited Sarum Children’s Ward where they met nine-year-old Lily-Eva Cole and her parents Shannon and Jordan.

‘Stars Appeal team are like my friends’

Lily, who is undergoing cancer treatment, presented Lord Pembroke and the committee with a special letter of thanks detailing how the Stars Appeal had helped her during her treatment.

Lily said: “Thanks to the Stars Appeal there is a very special play team here who help keep me busy and distracted from all my treatment.

“I haven’t been able to go to school or see my friends since I was diagnosed with cancer, so the play team are very special to me.

“They keep me company and always make me smile. They are like my friends.”

Along with funding the Stars Appeal Play Assistant and other extras on Sarum Children’s Ward, money raised for the Stars Appeal helps purchase new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital including emergency patient clothing and toiletries, hospital chaplaincy and cancer support programmes.

Lily has directly benefitted from the Stars Appeal Picture: Stars Appeal/Spencer Mulholland Photography

President of the Stars Appeal, Lord Pembroke, said: “It is so heartening to see how the wonderful support of the Rockbourne Fair makes such a difference to patients like Lily-Eva and her family.

“The money raised helps provide the very best care for thousands of patients and their families across the hospital by funding the latest equipment and providing those little extras to make their time in hospital more comfortable.

“Thank you to Bev and her team for their hard work and dedication, and to everyone involved in making the 2024 fair a brilliant success.”

Rockbourne Early Christmas Fair returns to Salisbury Racecourse from Wednesday, October 15 to Friday, October 17.

This much-loved event will once again bring together over 100 handpicked stalls offering luxury homeware, fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, gourmet food, and unique gifts – perfect for getting ahead on Christmas shopping while supporting a great cause.

Go to www.rockbournefair.org for more information.