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 Monday (January 16).
Top prize winner Nigel, who has supported the charity by taking part in a number of the Star Appeal’s Walk for Wards over the years, was delighted over his raffle win and said: “I feel overwhelmed.”
“I support the Stars Appeal because Salisbury Hospital is my hospital,” added the 70-year-old.
On finding out about his raffle windfall, second prize winner Richard, 78, who regularly enters the raffle, 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 supporting 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 projects the Hospital’s charity is looking to fund for this year include a £142,000 echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit to reduce waiting times for patients awaiting diagnosis, £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 fund including support for cancer patients, a 24/7 chaplaincy service, a staff counsellor, and free Wi-Fi.

Community Leader sought to Chair new £20m Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Bemerton
New equipment for Salisbury Shopmobility
Defeat on the road in Kent leaves the Whites hovering just above the relegation places
Plans submitted to expand Salisbury hotel
Salisbury Rugby Club launches player recruitment drive
Driver banned after Salisbury crash case
Rise in e bike and scooter fire incidents
Sunrise services held across Salisbury
