MAJOR veterans’ charities are to benefit from a gala extravaganza being staged at The Mere next month by a couple who served in the military.

Melanie Thomas and her partner Simon Creamer were in the Royal Military Police, and have retained close ties with friends in the armed forces.

Following the death of close friend Chris Phillips Melanie was inspired to arrange a charity summer ball.

Chris was in the Royal Military Police, and was Simon’s manager in their post-military careers. He died in 2016 at the age of 49 a few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Melanie said the reminiscing and much-needed laughter in the aftermath of Chris’ funeral between the attending veterans made the summer ball a necessity.

She said: “I thought that it shouldn't only be funerals where we all get to meet up and remember good people, so the idea of a charity ball was born, and we chose three charities very close to our hearts.

“Blesma because of its support of our limbless veterans and service personnel, Combat Stress because of their continued support for those struggling with mental difficulties, and Help for Heroes because they help and support numerous other charities and those on their recovery journeys.”

Melanie’s partner Simon was born in Wrexham, and moved to Mobberley, where he lived for many years with his parents, Dr John Creamer, and retired nurse Susan Creamer, who died in 2012, and his brother Daniel and sister Emily.

She added: “We still have strong connections to the town as Simon's daughter still lives here, so we are frequent visitors.

“The Mere was the ideal location for our event. We have British comedian Tony Cowards providing stand-up entertainment on the night, as well as local band Clockwork, with their covers of songs from the 60s to the 90s.

“The charity ball is our way of supporting three fabulous military charities and the work they do in keeping our veterans and serving military safe.

“We hope the people of Knutsford and surrounding villages will join us for what is set to be a fabulous night.”

The gala will be held at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday, May 26, and will consist of a champagne reception, three-course meal, a silent auction, live music and a comedian.

Tickets costs £65, available to serving and ex-serving member of the armed forces and the general public.

To book tickets visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/summer-charity-ball-in-support-of-combat-stress-blesma-and-help-for-heroes-tickets-32786138222