WHEN Debbie Goff celebrated her 40th birthday on Saturday she did not receive any presents.

Instead the mum of three asked the 100 guests at her fancy dress extravaganza in the Paragon Hall, Westbury, to give a donation to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Cleopatra, Batman and Marilyn Monroe were among the guests at Saturday's party to celebrate Mrs Goff's birthday but also raise money in memory of her brother Andrew Merrills who died in a car accident 12 years ago.

Mrs Goff, of Audley Gate, Westbury, said: "The party was absolutely fantastic. Everybody made such an effort. Big family celebrations are difficult because there is always one member missing. I just thought if I'm going to have a party for over 100 people it's a great opportunity to raise money."

Her brother was just 19 when he was killed in a car accident on his way to Newquay. He was airlifted to hospital but died later from his injuries.

Mrs Goff said: "Although our story has a sad end there are a lot of people who have a happy ending because of the Air Ambulance. People can be airlifted at such a critical time when extra minutes are precious, called the golden hour. The Air Ambulance plays such a vital service.

"We had never really thought about the Air Ambulance before. Everyone thinks they are invincible and life goes on until something like this happens. But life did stop for us for a long time after it happened and after the accident we realised the air ambulance was a really important organisation."

Remembering her brother she said: "He was a lifeguard and very athletic. He decided to go surfing in Newquay but just outside Exeter the car lost control. He was a passenger and an oncoming car went into the side. He was airlifted to Exeter Hospital and was on a life support machine and we had to make the agonising decision to switch it off.

"Since then the charity has been close to my family's heart so when I sent out all the invitations for the party I asked people not to give presents but to give a donation to the Air Ambulance instead."

Over the years Mrs Goff has donated to the charity and also spent time volunteering in the charity shop in Westbury.

For Saturday's party Mrs Goff dressed up as Cleopatra while her husband Richard went along as her Roman guard. Special guests were Kingdown School's X factor finalist Ellis White and her friend Danielle Reed who entertained the revellers.

Mrs Goff said she hopes the party will become a regular event and is planning another function for Halloween. To donate money to Wiltshire Air Ambulance contact (01380) 739453.