The Berwick St John Country Fayre’s Road Run across Salisbury Plain raised more than £12,600 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.

A presentation was held on Thursday, May 25, at the Hospital to celebrate the fundraising feat. Representatives from the Berwick St John Country Fayre, including Chairman Richard Pocock and Bruce Waight, who organised the Road Run, handed over a cheque to some of the charity’s hospital ambassadors.

People turned out in force at the Road Run on Sunday, April 2, showcasing a variety of tractors and 4x4 vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

SEE ALSO: Pictures from inside the new Everyman Cinema

Louise Hall, the secretary of Berwick St John Country Fayre and member of the Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee, said: “The Stars Appeal is such a fantastic local charity that helps hundreds of people every day at the Hospital in direct, practical ways.

"That is why we’re so proud to support it and present this donation. I would like to thank everybody who helped organise and took part in the road run for their marvellous support.”

The money raised will go towards one of the Stars Appeal’s projects for 2023, the provision of an additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit.

An echocardiogram shows a detailed image of a patient’s heart which can help diagnose any abnormalities or conditions affecting the heart.

Having an additional machine will help reduce waiting times for patients awaiting diagnosis.

The machine will cost £142,000 in total and around £40,000 has already been raised in direct donations towards it.

Consultant cardiologist and Stars Appeal hospital ambassador, Dr Tom Jackson, said: “This is a fantastic donation towards this much-needed piece of equipment.

"On behalf of all the heart patients that will benefit from their support I would like to extend my thanks to everybody involved in this Road Run event and the Berwick St John Country Fayre Committee for their ongoing support, which has done so much to enhance care at our hospital here in Salisbury.”

SEE ALSO: The Pheasant Inn closes temporarily during landlord changeover

To date, Berwick St John Country Fayre and associated events have raised over £320,000 for the Stars Appeal.

The next country fayre will take place on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15, 2024.

Follow the fayre and its other events on Facebook or its website. 

Click here to find out more about projects the Stars Appeal is looking to fund.