Boys’ Treasured Toys road run raises over £17,000 for the Stars Appeal

A charity road run featuring an array of classic and modern cars has raised over £17,000 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

Boys’ Treasured Toys took place on Tuesday, June 24, and was attended by around 200 people in 80 cars. This is the eighth year the annual fundraising event has been held, and it brings its grand total raised to over £60,000.

Drivers turned out in a range of vehicles, including Humbers, Morris Minors, Porsches, Maseratis, Ferraris, Morgans, and vintage Land Rovers.

Money raised by the event helps fund Stars Appeal projects across Salisbury Hospital, including state-of-the-art equipment, enhancements to buildings, and the charity’s ongoing work, like Stars Appeal Wi-Fi and support for patients with cancer.

Stars Appeal President, the Earl of Pembroke, welcomed the event’s participants to Wilton House before setting off on a 100-mile route around the Wiltshire countryside. Drivers of older cars had the opportunity to take a shorter route.

Patient Ambassador Sue Duke shared how projects funded by the Stars Appeal, including the Stars Appeal Breast Unit, the hospital’s first dedicated breast unit, supported her after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

The Boys’ Treasured Toys road run route took participants to Urchfont, where guests were hosted at the private home of Martin and Sally Bodman, before finishing at Gurston Down Hill Climb by kind permission of the Hitchings family. Here, they enjoyed a cream tea and an exclusive opportunity to experience driving their cars up the famous hill climb course.

Drivers and passengers made donations to participate in the event, which was organised by Louise Hall, Matthew Pickford, and Nick Combes.

Lead organiser and Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee member Louise Hall said: “It was such an incredible day that really had the wow factor. We visited fantastic venues and everyone made so many memories that they won’t forget in a hurry. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event for your amazing generosity.

“Hearing first-hand from Stars Appeal Ambassadors Sue Duke and Dr Tracey Parker about the impact of the charity’s work, especially for cancer patients, was truly inspiring. We are really proud to play a part in helping enhance care for patients like Sue at Salisbury Hospital.”

Cancer Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Tracey Parker added: “I would like to thank Louise, Matthew and Nick, and all the participants and hosts for making this event such a success.

"Every single day, my colleagues and I see the difference that Stars Appeal funded projects make to the care we are able to provide to our patients and their families.

"Every penny raised at Boys’ Treasured Toys will enable the charity to do even more at our hospital like funding state-of-the-art equipment, a dedicated play assistant on the Children’s Ward, and aromatherapy for cancer patients.”