THE Stars Appeal Christmas Raffle which had the star prize of a new car raised £26,000.

The big draw has now taken place with lucky winners from Salisbury, Mere and Ringwood in the top three.

Peter Goddard, from Salisbury, won the top prize – a new Kia Picanto car.

Mr Goddard, 88, said: “I can’t believe it, I’ve never won anything in my life.

“I’ve always supported the hospital and made contributions to various appeals when they have them but never expected to win anything, I never did it for that, I did it to support the hospital.

“It’s a wonderful surprise, I’m still in shock.”

J Eyles, from Mere, won the second prize of £1,000 while the third prize of £500 went to Mr Hempstead from Ringwood.

Gemma Heath, events and community fundraiser for the Stars Appeal, said: “Our huge thanks to everyone that supported the raffle. Generous supporters have raised an incredible £26,000 which will help towards the £1million we need to raise this year to fund Stars Appeal projects for the benefit of patients and staff.”

Projects include recreational activities for Spinal Unit patients, support groups for cancer patients, aromatherapy on the Pembroke Unit, Labour ward, Farley Stroke Unit and other areas, staff wellbeing and support and the latest medical equipment.

Further examples also include the Engage and Elevate programmes, the Stars Appeal Changing Faces Practitioner, Hospital Chaplaincy and free accommodation for the parents of sick children and babies.

The winning tickets were drawn by Salisbury District Hospital’s chief executive Peter Hill and George Chalke of FJ Chalke Mere, who supplied the car at a heavily discounted price.