FRIENDS and family came together last Friday, inviting people to get into the Christmas spirit early to help a good cause.

The party, held at Bordon and Oakhanger Sports Club on Bolley Avenue, was organised by friends of a Bordon woman who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Anita Brown, 45, was recently told she has terminal bladder cancer and, with friends and family, she has set about raising funds for the Midhurst Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Service.

As part of this drive, last week’s 1980s-themed Christmas party generated £1,852 for the charity.

The decision to have a Christmas party in June might seem a strange one, but friend Juliet Marlow explained that as Anita, a fan of the festive period, fears she might not see another Christmas, it seemed a logical fundraising party to organise.

Anita has remained positive and has received a great deal of support from friends, who have each had a purple-heart tattoo inked on a finger or wrist in her honour.

The tattoos were all done by Kneedles Ink, on Bordon High Street, at a discounted rate.

Anita said Friday’s event was a success, with a good deal raised for a charity, which had helped her during this tough time. “It was fantastic, there were so many people there,” she said. “The Hogsback Chapter escorted myself and my husband Tim to the BOSC. Santa arrived and gave out sweeties to the children, and the 1980s and Christmas music played all night. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone involved.”