HUNDREDS of Easter eggs have been donated to Salisbury District Hospital for all staff and patients to enjoy this weekend.

The gifts have come from local businesses via the Stars Appeal donations hub, a platform created to collect and distribute donations to members of staff.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, Cara Barks-Charles said: “Our staff across the hospital are working incredibly hard and under extreme pressure. The outpouring of support for the NHS and all our staff has been overwhelming and moving.

“I would like to thank everyone who has donated Easter Eggs, they will bring a smile to many faces across the hospital.”

Treats from the hub given out to staff so far include Hot Cross Buns and Coca Cola and Innocent smoothies.

Anyone who can help by donating supplies in bulk is asked to email info@starsappeal.org and not to travel to the hospital before making contact.

Since it launched its new campaign last week, the Stars Appeal has raised nearly £15,000 to support staff and patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Legendary long distance runner, Paula Radcliffe, whose father has received care at the hospital, has made a donation of £100 and taken to Twitter to help raise awareness. 

Other donations have come in from the Radnor Charitable Foundation and NHS Charities Together along with many other generous gifts from across the community.

The money will go towards funding Stars Appeal services including free Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, so isolated staff and patients can stay connected with friends and family, counselling for staff, specialist simulation training and new equipment, hospital chaplains and treats for staff.

Penny Brown, Chairman of the Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee said: “Like so many others, our charity has been hit very hard financially as a result of the Coronavirus but we are determined to continue supporting staff and patients by funding our vital work. 

“We can only do this with people’s continued support. I’d like to thank everyone who is helping and to appeal to anyone who can to support our charity on behalf of our hospital and its heroic staff at this most difficult of times.”

Donations can be made at starsappeal.org/coronavirus/ or sent to The Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital SP2 8BJ or telephone 01722 429005.