THIS Christmas the generous people of Salisbury have given a precious gift that will benefit everyone.

In just eight months - and despite hard times for many - people have dug deep to raise the £650,000 needed to buy a life-saving second CT scanner for Salisbury District Hospital.

The scanner will benefit 12,000 patients every year and they and their families will have their friends, neighbours and communities to thank.

This appeal has been a huge community effort, with thousands of local people taking part in sponsored events from runs and walks to cycle rides, head shaves, raffles and more.

The Journal and the Stars Appeal launched the campaign in May and no one imagined that the money would be raised this quickly.

But the appeal really inspired and motivated local people – including many former patients who owe their lives to the skilled and hard-working doctors, nurses and other staff at Salisbury District Hospital.

Money soon came pouring in, from individual donations, specially organised fundraising occasions, all sorts of weird and wonderful sponsored challenges, and the Stars Appeal’s flagship events including Walk for Wards, Rockbourne Fair and the Tidworth 3k and 10k.

The Journal has supported the appeal all the way and our readers eagerly followed its progress in the paper and on our website each week.

As the red lines of the fundraising thermometer edged upwards, the dream of buying this vital machine came ever closer to reality.

Now all the money needed is in the bank and the scanner will be ordered in the new year.

Within a few months the first patients will be benefiting from the machine, which will help doctors diagnose a range of illnesses and injuries including strokes, cancers and cardiac problems.

There will be shorter waiting times for CT scans, meaning patients can start their treatment earlier, and they won’t have to go to other hospitals if the existing scanner breaks down or needs servicing.

Over the years this is sure to bring huge benefits to every family in the area and there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate this fantastic achievement and wish all our readers a very merry Christmas.

* For more on the amazing fundraising effort see this week's Journal.