SALISBURY District Hospital charity, the Stars Appeal, has paid tribute to long-time patron Johnnie Walker, who passed away this week.

The iconic DJ, famed for his radio shows on the BBC and beyond, passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 79.

He became a patron of the Stars Appeal when it was founded in 2007, after he was cared for at Salisbury Hospital when he underwent cancer treatment some years before, and supported the charity from then on.

Paying tribute, a charity spokesperson said: “We are greatly saddened by the news yesterday that our long-time Patron and great friend and supporter Johnnie Walker MBE has passed away.

“Johnnie became a patron of the Stars Appeal upon our launch in 2007, having been cared for at the Hospital during his cancer treatment some years earlier.

“Johnnie’s attendance at many of our fundraising events and celebrations of completed projects over nearly 20 years supporting the charity, always accompanied by his wife Tiggy, helped make these occasions extra special and his work for us played a key role in raising our profile both locally and nationally.

“In 2009, he gave a special performance of his touring show at Salisbury Arts Centre to raise funds for the new Children’s Unit, which to this day continues to help thousands of local children and families.

“We will miss Johnnie greatly and we send our deepest sympathies and love to Tiggy and all his family and friends.”