FUNDS were boosted for Geoff Ball’s charity trek through the Himalayas later this year during a festive event at Jennie Harrington’s home in the village.

Jennie hosted a mulled wine and mince pie event at her home in Pottery Road for Geoff, who has to raise £3,000 to take part in the Mandalas and Mountains Charity Trek in April in aid of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.

“I would like to thank all those who spared five minutes to pop in and support the event,” she said.

“We’re hoping to organise a barn dance in March at Horton village hall with all proceeds going towards Geoff’s trek.”

The trek will see Geoff, of Ilminster, walk about 75km in the foothills of the Himalayas and to places few tourists go.

He hopes to raise as much money as possible for the hospice in memory of his wife Denise, better known as Ness, who died from breast cancer in November 2011.

To make a contribution go to www.justgiving.com/GeoffreyBall website.