Sep 9th 2024
Two of our long-standing volunteers who have helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity have been recognised at the BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Awards.
David Chalk, who won the Fundraiser Award, has raised £140,000 over 17 years by bucket collecting and taking part in our Walk for Wards event. He volunteers at the hospital four days a week, for six hours at a time.
David says: “I’m over the moon to have won the Fundraiser Award. It’s still sinking in. I’m so honoured to have been recognised. I’m proud to be a volunteer supporting the Stars Appeal and to have helped play a part in funding projects across the Hospital over the years. I get so much satisfaction from volunteering and fundraising for the Stars Appeal, which makes such a difference to patients, their families, and staff at Salisbury Hospital. I love the rapport I have with the people that I meet every week. I want to thank everyone who has supported me in my fundraising and who give so generously.”
Jo Maslen, who alongside David was one of four finalists shortlisted for the Fundraiser Award, organises our fundraising treks. She received a Highly Commended Award in the Fundraiser category. In over 15 years at the charity Jo, alongside other activities, has organised five overseas treks to locations such as the Grand Canyon and Great Wall of China, raising close to half a million pounds.
Jo says: “I was astonished and completely delighted when I found out I’d been shortlisted as a fundraiser of the year. When I heard some of the inspiring stories from other nominees I felt very honoured to be considered, and proud to represent all our Stars Appeal trekkers, especially as this is our 10th year of treks for the Stars Appeal.”
The awards ceremony took place on Saturday night at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel and was hosted by BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Graham Rogers.
The eight award categories saw hundreds of nominations to BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Make a Difference Awards. Celebrity judges, including TV presenter James May, rugby player Jonny May and the Marchioness of Bath, Emma Thynn, selected the winners.
Dave Cates, the head of fundraising at the Stars Appeal, says: “We are so proud to see both David and Jo’s herculean efforts to enhance care for local people in hospital recognised at these prestigious awards. We are incredibly proud of them, and extremely grateful for all they, and the many, many people that support their fundraising efforts, do for the Stars Appeal. None of our work would be possible without support like theirs which inspires so much generosity towards our cause.”
David and Jo are pictured at the award’s night with BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Graham Rogers.