Stars Appeal supporter celebrates winning start to 2025

Thursday, 23 January 2025 06:00

First prize winner Keith Smith, pictured centre, with George Chalke, of FJ Chalke, and Peter Bourke, of Wilsons Solicitors

A lucky Stars Appeal supporter has got 2025 off to a great start after scooping the £2,500 top prize in the charity’s raffle.

Keith Smith, from Salisbury, was delighted to win the first prize in the Stars Appeal Christmas Raffle and is treating his family to a holiday to Devon with his winnings.

He said: “It’s fantastic to have won the raffle. It was a nice surprise; I had forgotten about the tickets. The money has gone towards a holiday with all the family. It’s great to be able to support the Stars Appeal. It’s a local charity and you know money raised goes towards good stuff at the Hospital.”

The raffle raised over £20,000 in ticket sales and donations, which will help to fund the charity’s work funding new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients, their families and staff across Salisbury Hospital.

The £2,500 first prize was kindly sponsored by Wilsons Solicitors and the second prize of £500 was sponsored by FJ Chalke. A third prize of £250 was also up for grabs along with other cash prizes.

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, added: “Congratulations to Keith and all of our Christmas Raffle winners, and a big thank you to everyone who took part and made donations. Your generous support has raised over £20,000, which helps us greatly as we seek to fund projects across the Hospital, including state-of-the-art equipment, enhancements to Hospital buildings and our ongoing projects like the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients with cancer and provision of accommodation for parents of poorly babies and children in hospital. Thank you to our first and second prize sponsors Wilsons Solicitors and FJ Chalke for their amazing support.”

Mike Parker, the Managing Partner of Wilsons Solicitors, added: "It's been a pleasure to support the Stars Appeal with their annual Christmas Raffle and congratulations to all the winners. We know the money raised will help make a difference for patients and staff at the Hospital."

For a full list of the winning ticket numbers visit www.starsappeal.org/news/christmas-raffle-2024-winners-announced/