Boys’ Treasured Toys road run raises over £13k for Stars Appeal

Boys’ Treasured Toys took place on Tuesday (June 25th) and was attended by a record 160 people in 75 cars. This is the seventh year the annual fundraising event has been held.

Drivers turned out in various vehicles, from Minis to McLarens and Bentleys to Bugattis.

The money raised will go towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal aims to raise this year for projects, including six high-definition video scopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000 to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort. 

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

During speeches before setting off, the participants heard about the work of the charity and the difference it makes to patients at Salisbury District Hospital from Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Mr Simon Dennis. Patient Ambassador Colin Ford, who has been previously diagnosed with three separate cancers, described how projects funded by the charity, from state-of-the-art equipment to free Wi-Fi, helped him during his treatment.

The Boys’ Treasured Toys road run route took participants to Bradley House, the family home of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, for a picnic lunch before finishing at West Barn Lodge, where they were hosted by the Hitchings family and enjoyed tea and cake.

Drivers and passengers donated to take part 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: “A fun day was had by all, it was a most enjoyable, relaxed day in beautifully stunning locations. This has been our most successful event both in terms of guest numbers and money raised. 

“People have been so incredibly generous and were seriously touched by the emotional stories they heard from Ambassadors Mr Dennis and Colin Ford who both expressed how every pound raised makes a difference to patients, their families and staff at the Hospital. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the event such a success.”

ENT Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Mr Simon Dennis added: “Every day in my work I see the incredible difference that money raised at events like this make to patients across the Hospital.

“I would like to thank Louise, her co-organisers, and all the participants and hosts for raising this wonderful sum that will help our charity do even more for the benefit of local people in Hospital.”