Mar 6th 2023
A dedicated supporter who raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Stars Appeal has been honoured with a special artwork.
Michael Beck Esq BEM, who passed away in November 2021, raised over £450,000 during 18 years of fundraising.
This was through his amazing efforts collecting at the Hospital and across the local community, and taking on dozens of sponsored walks, often accompanied by his wheelbarrow ‘Wally’ and supported by his many friends.
Michael’s fundraising played a major role in funding many of our projects including Salisbury’s first dedicated Breast Unit, the Children’s Unit, state-of-the-art scanners, recreational activities for Spinal Unit patients and cancer support programmes. He also inspired many others to donate and fundraise themselves.
Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, said: “Michael’s legacy at the Hospital very much lives on. Every single day hundreds of people are benefiting from facilities that Michael helped fund. We simply wouldn’t have them without fundraising like Michael’s, which was just incredible.
“This artwork expresses our gratitude to Michael and celebrates his life and his selfless work. We continue to miss him and remain forever grateful to him.”
The artwork was unveiled on Thursday, March 2 by his friends and fellow Stars Appeal bucket collecting team members Keith Noble and Emma Fortescue in the presence of Michael’s daughter Jane, Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Anna Barton, who cared for Michael in hospital, and others who had fundraised alongside him.
It can be viewed in the main corridor of the Hospital, opposite the pharmacy.