Tickets are still available for a Watford ball, organised to raise cash for the Hospice of St Francis.

Julie Goulding, of Cassiobury Estate, is hosting the fundraising event alongside best friend Caroline O’Connor.

The duo decided to arrange the ball to pay tribute to Mrs Goulding’s mother Linda Speller, who passed away from cancer of the oesophagus in April last year.

The Hospice of St Francis, which is based in Berkhamsted, cared for Mrs Speller in her final days.

Mother-of-two Mrs Goulding said: “Mum didn’t stay in the Hospice for St Francis long, two days in all, but the care she received from the nurses, it was unbelievable; they did so much to make her comfortable.

“When she found out she was dying, she went to visit the hospice and really liked it. She said she felt comfortable dying there.”

The duo is determined to raise £5,000 for the hospice, which relies on donations to continue providing support to people suffering from terminal illness.

The event will also coincide with the pair’s 40th birthdays.

Mrs Goulding, said: “The ball, which will be held Saturday, March 3, is our way of helping the hospice, plus I think mum would have been proud. Raising money for the hospice is so important for it to continue, the care they provide really does go above and beyond.

“I volunteer for the hospice by packing and selling items for their Ebay account.

“Anything I can do to help the hospice is my way of giving back, and I hope people will feel inspired to come to our event and raise cash for such a good cause.”

The charity ball will be held at the Watford Hilton, on Saturday, March 3. Tickets cost £45 and include a drink on arrival and three course meal with drinks. There will be casino tables, a raffle with a top prize of two-week stay in a Florida villa for ten people, a bar and a DJ.

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets, donate a raffle prize or for company sponsorship email charityball2012@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/events/136684199766053/.