PARTYGOERS having a flutter at their Christmas celebrations last year helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Adver’s 160 Appeal in aid of Prospect Hospice.

To celebrate the newspaper’s 160th anniversary, bosses pledged to raise £160,000 for the Wroughton-based hospice, and yesterday events company Best Parties Ever handed over a cheque for £5,612.

The money was raised at 12 parties during December last year hosted by the company, which gave proceeds from the roulette wheel to the charity.

Assistant event manager Molly Hindle, who helped to organise the parties which were all held at Lydiard Park, said: “We held 12 party nights through the whole of December, all on a Marrakech theme.

“There was a 680-capacity at the venue, which is quite big, and I think that’s why everyone was so generous.”

Harriet Powley, the senior event manager with Best Parties Ever, said Prospect was chosen by the company because of the good work it does in the area.

She said: “We operate across a number of different regions and in each area we like to choose a charity or local community cause to raise money for. The money is raised from the casino events we have at the parties.

“And £5,000 is a lot of money to raise for a charity, so I think everyone was really pleased.”

Prospect's community fundraiser Amy Francombe said she was delighted by the generosity of the people who attended the parties.

She said: “It’s fantastic. It’s greatly appreciated by everyone from here at the hospice.

“This money will go towards ensuring the people here receive the care and services they deserve.”

Swindon Advertiser newspaper sales manager Rachel Youd, who led the Adver’s fundraising team for the 160 Appeal, said the donation was a great way to round off the final tot-up for the appeal.

She said: “It’s a fantastic amount of money that Best Parties Ever was able to raise for Prospect Hospice and serves as a welcome round-up to all of last year’s fundraising.

“When we set our target we were not certain it would be achievable and so to raise the £160,000 in less than a year is absolutely amazing.

“During the whole appeal the Adver’s readers rallied round to show their support and Best Parties Ever played a big part in harnessing the generosity of people in the town.

“Our appeal aimed not only to raise £160,000, which will make a significant difference to many people who turn to the Prospect for help, but to highlight all of the services it operates."

To find out more about Best Parties Ever visit www.bestpartiesever.com and for more on the hospice visit www.prospect-hospice.net