A ‘colossal’ £31,000 was raised in just one day for the Stars Appeal at the Berwick Bash in September thanks to thousands of generous visitors who dug deep in their pockets.

The money raised will make a ‘life-changing difference’ to local folk and highlights the commitment of the community in supporting the charity arm of Salisbury District Hospital.

Louise Hall, secretary of the Berwick St John Country Fayre, said: “It is particularly special to have raised such a significant amount of money as this proves that, even after all the problems surrounding covid, our community is committed to supporting its local hospital via the Stars Appeal.

“Our thanks go to all our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and of course the thousands that came along and enjoyed a great day out whilst raising money for this important local cause.”

Organisers of the Berwick St John Country Fayre presented the phenomenal sum at a special presentation afternoon in Berwick St John Village Hall, where four hospital consultants volunteer as Stars Appeal Ambassadors, Dr Susie Lewis, cardiologist, Dr Richard Harrison, respiratory, and eye surgeons Karinya Lewis and Roger Humphrey spoke of how the money will enable the charity to continue helping local people in hospital and the NHS staff who care for them.

Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Richard Harrison said: “The Berwick Bash was a fabulous event which all of us involved with the Stars Appeal feel hugely privileged to be the beneficiaries of.

“To have raised this staggering sum of money in just one day is incredible and true testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone who does so much to make these events possible.

“The money raised will make a life-changing difference to local people in hospital, from newborn babies to the oldest in our community, and support the NHS staff that care for them, by helping us continue funding a wide range of Stars Appeal projects across the hospital. On behalf of the charity and all those who will benefit, we extend our sincere thanks to the Berwick St John Country Fayre Team, and all who support their brilliant events, for their continued support.”

The Berwick bash was a resounding success as thousands flooded the showground which featured the infamous traditional tea tent, vintage tractors, cars and commercial vehicles, full size and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, heavy horses and cart rides, along with displays and demonstrations of rural crafts and collections, trailer rides, live music, and fairground rides.

Entry to the event was free but attendees were asked to make a donation and in addition, money was raised from a raffle, the tea and beer tent and the sale of concession to traders.

The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1million each year to fund projects which offer direct, practical support to patients, their loved ones and the hospital’s staff.

These projects include advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, creating new buildings and spaces in which care can be delivered in a bright, modern and patient focussed environment and additional services such as free wi-fi and a staff counsellor.

The Berwick St John Country Fayre will return next year as a two-day event on September 17 and 18, 2022.

More details can be found at berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk and on the event’s Facebook page.

By Karen Bate