More than 400 charitable Halloween revellers raised £18,000 for a children’s hospice.

The Haven House Pumpkin Festival on Sunday, October 27, saw a mix of determined fundraising efforts from 5 kilometre and 10k runners followed by children and adults taking on a family friendly walk.

There was also face painting, games, medals, beat the goalie and even a free pumpkin once the plod was completed.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford cares for children and young people from birth to 19 years old who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Hospice supporters turned up dressed in spooky costumes such as pumpkins, spiders and skeletons.

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Youngsters donned scary costumes for the Halloween themed pumpkin festival

Sophie Bragg, events fundraising manager at Haven House, said: “We’d like to thank our volunteers, sponsors and the local community for taking part and their generosity in supporting their local children’s hospice. We have raised an incredible £18,000 with sponsorship money still coming in.

“It was great seeing so many people dressed up and getting into the atmosphere helping to make it a super success. The event is a firm fixture of half-term fun in the local calendar. Make sure it’s in yours for 2020!”

Runner Alison Sale said: “The 10k run was a lot of fun (& a lot of mud!) so well organised and great, enthusiastic volunteers - thank you.”

Mum-of-three Alex Beckwith added: “It was muddy but great fun. It was wonderful to see exactly where your sponsorship money is going. Haven House is an incredible place, in beautiful surroundings, doing such vital work for the community.”

The pumpkin festival was sponsored by Gates (Ford).

The hospice is extending invites to the public for its Christmas Wonderland at the hospice, where the woodland will be turned in to a Santa’s grotto.