TWO best friends pulled out all the stops to organise a fundraising Halloween bash for Prospect Hospice.

Mandy Martin, 48, from Swindon and Julie Hennessy, 58, from Purton have planned numerous charity functions over the last ten years and on Saturday were back by popular demand with the monster of a party.

“The atmosphere is electric,” said Mandy, who dressed a witch for the occasion.

The sell-out event took place at Chiseldon House Hotel, which gave them the room free of charge, and 85 people dressed to impress with their spectacular spooky outfits from zombies, vampires and ghosts.

There was also a buffet, drinks were flowing and there was live music from band Locomotion for guests to dance the night away.

A raffle and auction boasted prizes of tickets to see skating champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Matilda the Musical and various vouchers for top restaurants, ensuring there were treats rather than tricks.

“The effort from family and friends and their costumes is phenomenal and they have gone above and beyond,” Julie said, adding that they were hoping to raise between £3,000 and £4,000.

“We have had close friends and family in recent years who have sadly lost their lives to cancer.

“Lots of people are effected by the disease and supported by Prospect who give them dignity and support.

“We wanted to give something back, not just to the charity, but also to our friends and family.”

The monies raised will bring a much-needed boost to Prospect Hospice, based in Wroughton. Last year it cost more than £7.2m to provide care to thousands of patients and their families.

The charity gives dedicated end-of-life care for adults with a life-limiting illness or condition from which they will not recover from. However, it receives less than 30 per cent of its income from statutory organisations such as the NHS, with the rest coming from fundraising.

Keen to do their bit to help with funding, Mandy and Julie have worked tirelessly over the last few months drumming up support from businesses and individuals who were more than willing to lend a hand and offer donations, which the duo said was overwhelming.

Thames Water, where Mandy works as a business analyst, has also agreed to match all the funds raised.

Mandy added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us. People in Swindon are so generous.”

Chiseldon House Hotel is also hosting a free Halloween party for youngsters today (Monday) from 4pm. There will be goodie bags up for grabs and prizes for the best carved pumpkin and best dressed boy and girl.