GENEROUS party-goers have helped to raise more than £1,000 for the Prospect@Home appeal.

Susie Eliot-Cohen opened up her home to her friends for a drinks party after being inspired by a friend.

People all over Swindon and the surrounding area are joining in and holding their own type of Get-Together - be it a barbecue, dinner, or a drinks party like Susie - and asking their guests to make a donation to the Prospect@Home appeal.

The Swindon Advertiser is backing the new service which will offer 24-hour care to those who need and want it, allowing many more people to be able to die in their own home, if that is what they want.

Susie, 68, who lives in Ramsbury, invited 120 people to her drinks party, and served drinks and canapés.

Some people made donations in advance, many in particular being made by people unable to attend, and Susie had raised £940 before the event was even held.

"It was suggested to me that I hold a Get-Together by my friend, David Margesson, who is vice-president of Prospect Hospice," she said.

"I was more than happy to do so. Prospect is a wonderful organisation and covers our area here in Ramsbury.

"I have visited it and have been so impressed by it, the wonderful peaceful atmosphere there and the truly dedicated staff."

If you would like to organise your own Get-Together, it couldn't be simpler.

All you need to do is get hold of a fundraising pack.

It is full of ideas of what type of event to hold, recipes, and even discount vouchers for beer from Arkell's brewery, wine from Magnum in Old Town and a takeaway from the Biplob Indian restaurant, Old Town.

You can apply for your Get Together fundraising pack by contacting Gemma Jones on 01793 816147 or by calling 01793 815142.