PENSION administrators Capita SIP Services have become the latest company to throw their weight behind the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal.

Capita's charity committee have made the appeal its charity for the year after it was nominated by staff at the company's city offices in Castle Street.

Now a packed programme of fundraising events are planned for various times during the year, including dress down days, raffles, a summer barbecue - and a corporate football tournament.

As part of the fundraising, staff will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in June. A team of 18 will try to climb the highest mountains in England (Scafell Pike 978m) Scotland (Ben Nevis 1344m) and Wales (Snowdon 1085m) in 24 hours in support of the appeal.

James Pitt, who is organising the team from Capita SIP Services, said: "Our team training so far has involved walking in the New Forest (ten miles and our first get together) and, more recently, a four-hour workout around Cheddar Gorge.

"We intend to hold other team sessions later this month and in May.

"In between these team gatherings, each member is responsible for maintaining a good level of exercise and fitness." Mr Pitt added: "Being involved in the event has brought together people from all walks of life and interests, and has been a good bonding exercise between those of different departments. We would like to thank Waitrose, Millets and Hendy Hire for their support."

The Stars Appeal raises funds for additional equipment and facilities at Salisbury District Hospital over and above that which the NHS can provide.

The appeal is currently focusing on two initial major targets - to raise £100,000 for new state-of-the-art equipment which will help new-born babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and £300,000 to equip a dedicated keyhole cancer operating theatre.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the Capital SIP Services Three Peaks teams can do so by logging on to www.justgiving.com/CSIPS_3peaksteams. Alternatively, they can pay directly into any branch of Nationwide quoting the reference 0328 703 804 942.

  • Hairdresser Joanna Cucurullo, who runs the Hair By Joanna salon in Amesbury has donated £68 to the Stars Appeal.

The money was the proceeds of a competition in which she asked staff and clients to guess the date of birth and weight of the baby she was expecting last month.

Baby Thomas Marco was duly born on March 15, weighing a healthy 6lb 14oz.

Sadly, Joanna had lost two earlier babies, after they were born prematurely in June 2005 and January 2006.