Sybil Tucker, a stalwart volunteer and fundraiser for Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal, recently celebrated her 100th birthday—a remarkable milestone marked by decades of selfless giving. For over 20 years, Sybil has been a devoted supporter of the hospital charity, regularly volunteering alongside her daughter Nicola in the Stars Appeal Bookshop located at the hospital’s main entrance.
On her special day, Sybil and her fellow volunteers gathered for tea and cake to commemorate her centennial. Reflecting on her longevity, Sybil remarked, “I can’t really believe I am 100. I want to keep going and supporting the Stars Appeal for as long as I can.”
Sybil’s journey with the Stars Appeal began in 2003 when she and Nicola participated in the Ace of Hearts campaign, aiming to raise £1 million for a new cardiac suite—an effort close to her heart due to her brother’s own heart condition. Starting with a humble table stall selling books, the mother-daughter duo eventually ran monthly book, bric-a-brac, and toy stalls at the hospital until 2020.
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Their fundraising efforts have been extraordinary, amassing over £65,350 to support numerous Stars Appeal projects. Contributions from Sybil and Nicola have aided in the development of vital hospital facilities including the Children’s Unit, Cardiac Suite, Breast Unit, additional MRI and CT scanners, and the Neonatal Family Unit.
Nicola shared, “We enjoy volunteering and get to meet so many lovely people. Knowing that all the money we raise supports our local hospital and its patients makes it worthwhile.”
Sybil’s dedication is rooted in a lifetime of service—during World War II, she served as a cook in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in Farnborough. In recognition of their significant contributions, a room in the Stars Appeal Breast Unit now bears the names of Sybil and Nicola Tucker.
Dave Cates from the Stars Appeal expressed profound gratitude: “We are honored to celebrate Sybil’s 100th birthday and so thankful for the extraordinary support she and Nicola have provided over 22 years. Their efforts have profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of local patients and their families.”