Classic car run raises £17,000 for Salisbury Stars Appeal

The Boys’ Treasured Toys event took place on Tuesday, June 24, attended by about 200 people in 80 cars.

Running for the eighth year, the annual fundraising event has now brought in more than £60,000 in total.

A variety of vehicles, from Humbers and Morris Minors to Porsches and Ferraris, joined the run.

The funds help support Stars Appeal projects across Salisbury Hospital, which include providing state-of-the-art equipment and enhancements to hospital buildings.

The Earl of Pembroke, Stars Appeal president, started the event at Wilton House, setting participants off on a 100-mile route around the Wiltshire countryside, with a shorter route available for older cars.

Lord Pembroke (Image: Spencer Mulholland) Boys’ Treasured Toys took participants to Urchfont, where the private home of Martin and Sally Bodman hosted them.

The run finished at Gurston Down Hill Climb, by permission of the Hitchings family.

Here, a cream tea awaited them, and drivers had the exclusive opportunity to experience driving up the famous hill climb course.

Louise Hall, lead organiser and Stars Appeal fundraising committee member, said: "It was such an incredible day that really had the wow factor.

"We visited fantastic venues and everyone made so many memories that they won’t forget in a hurry.

"Hearing first-hand from Stars Appeal ambassadors Sue Duke and Dr Tracey Parker about the impact of the charity’s work, especially for cancer patients, was truly inspiring.

"We are really proud to play a part in helping enhance care for patients like Sue at Salisbury Hospital."

Boys' Treasured Toys at Wilton House (Image: Spencer Mulholland) Sue Duke, patient ambassador, shared her personal experience of how the Stars Appeal has supported her since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

Cancer consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, said: "I would like to thank Louise, Matthew and Nick, and all the participants and hosts for making this event such a success.

"Every single day, my colleagues and I see the difference that Stars Appeal-funded projects make to the care we are able to provide to our patients and their families.

"Every penny raised at Boys’ Treasured Toys will enable the charity to do even more at our hospital, like funding state-of-the-art equipment, a dedicated play assistant on the children’s ward, and aromatherapy for cancer patients."

All participants made donations to be part of the event, which was organised by Louise Hall, Matthew Pickford, and Nick Combes.