DISNEY princesses, Spider-Man and Chase from Paw Patrol were among the familiar faces helping to raise funds to support two wards at Basingstoke Hospital.

These extra special guests were part of a charity fun day held at the Irish Centre, in Council Road, on Saturday.

Organised by Vicky Hailes and Stacey Beard, the pair wanted to raise £1,000 to help the E3 and E4 wards at the hospital to have a palliative care room to allow families to stay with their loved ones with comfort and peace at their end of life, providing a bed for relatives to stay close.

However, the day was so well received the pair have already doubled their target, collecting £2,000 with donations still coming in.

Mrs Hailes said: “It was really surprising how much support people showed us and how willing small businesses were to donate prizes.

“The reason the whole idea came about was because my mum works at the hospital and the E4 ward were so supportive to Stacey when her dad died so we wanted to give something back and give a place for people to be with their loved ones.”

The E4 ward specialises in care of the elderly, in particular dementia patients.

The care provided is based on mutual respect and active involvement of patients, families and carers.

While the E3 ward specialises in respiratory medicine, where all patients in the care of the nursing team are treated with dignity and respect at all times and the differing physical, emotional and spiritual needs met.

The 12-hour fundraiser ran into the night where adults enjoyed a disco and raffle prizes and more donations were collected.

“Everyone just seemed to have a great time, and having never done something on this scale it was a bit overwhelming,” added the 31-year-old.

“It has given us confidence that if people need our support then we can put on another event like this.”

Mrs Hailes said without the support of companies like Carousel fancy dress hire, Playdays, Beale park, Oakley Hall and many more, the day would not have been a success.

The pair are still taking donations. To help support the bid to provide a palliative care room, you can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/VickyCarter7?utm_medium=email&utm_ sourc e=Exac t Target&utm_campaign=20170203_96877