THE Knutsford community has rallied round and supported the former manager of a popular wine bar by holding a fundraising event for him as he fights cancer.

Friends and family of Liam Ward, 32, who was the manager of the former Knutsford Wine Bar for three years and worked there for eight years, held the event at Shaw Heath Social Club on May 1.

The night was held to help Liam, who was diagnosed in January this year with Synovial Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer.

Only about one to three individuals in a million are diagnosed with this disease each year.

It can occur at any age, but is more common among teenagers and young adults.

Synovial sarcoma seems to has a preference for males, with 12 male patients for every 10 female patients.

Friends Adam Cross, Vanessa Hatton, Amy Wilkinson and Bernadette Gunter, started a campaign entitled '#TeamWard' in a bid to help Liam.

On the night Knutsfordians managed to raise an impressive £7,169.

Entertainment in the evening included a comedian, and a live band and raffle with many prizes donated by town businesses and friends.

The band was Harlequin, who had previously performed at Liam's wedding only 18 months before when he married his long term girlfriend Michaela Ward.

Liam and Michaela have two young children.

Vanessa Hatton, former owner of The Knutsford Wine Bar, said: "As Liam's friend and former employer, I was so happy to be involved in helping to organise this event for Liam and his family.

"Liam left the wine bar to manage his own pub in Cheadle 18 months ago and we have remained close.

"We were all heartbroken and shocked to hear his news and we will support him every step of the way with whatever is needed.

"Thank you so much to everyone who bought tickets, donated prizes and gave up their time to get involved with the event, it was a really great night."

If you would like to support Liam you can donate through the Go Fund Me site that has been set up gofundme.com/teamward