Wilton Rotary Raise Record Amount for Stars Appeal

Friday, 10 October 2025 06:00

60 guests gathered at the Mercure White Hart Hotel in Salisbury for the Rotary Club of Wilton’s monthly Guest Night on Monday.

The evening was a thank you for helpers at the club’s Mammoth Car Boot Sale and a celebration of a summer of extraordinary generosity by the public and volunteers.

Following a delightful two-course dinner, the Stars Appeal's Head of Fundraising, Dave Cates and three Stars Appeal Ambassadors (Mr Roger Humphry, Mr Sridhar Sampalli and Dr Rowena Staples) shared inspiring stories of how the club’s incredible fundraising over the years has changed lives — providing life-saving equipment, care for premature babies and vital programs for seriously ill children.

In a moving moment, Dave shared the thank you received by Gill Wade, who had used a new “by your side chair” funded by last year’s donation to keep her promise and stay with her husband throughout his last days. Her husband was a former Wilton Rotarian, Colin Wade.

Responding to the presentation, club President Peter Edge told the audience that last year’s summer events, which included the Wilton Wake Ups, enabled the club to donate £11,200 to the Stars Appeal, but added that this year, the club had broken all records! And unveiled a cheque for a staggering £15,000.

In addition to this and from the summer events, the Club have also paid for a defibrillator for the Veteran Centre on Wilton Hill. They will be providing the Wilton Community Nurses with a new Doppler machine.

Lord Pembroke responded on behalf of the Stars Appeal, of which he is president, with heartfelt thanks, praising the Rotary Club’s tireless dedication to volunteering and supporting the community.

Paediatric Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Rowena Staples said: “It is a privilege to receive this wonderful donation on behalf of our hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.

"I thank everyone at Wilton Rotary Club and their many friends and supporters for their committed ongoing support. I also record my thanks to our president, Lord Pembroke, whose support has been instrumental in making this donation possible. This marvellous gift will enable us to continue to make a difference to local children and adults being treated at Salisbury Hospital.”

In summing up, club secretary Andy Rhind-Tutt explained that when the Wilton Rotary Club was founded, its very first fundraiser was for an incubator for premature babies at the hospital, and tonight, 47 years later, we are still providing help and demonstrating a legacy of care and compassion.

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