GUESTS can’t wait to put on their best clothes for a very special evening.

Retired police officer Jo Whitehead is hosting a ‘Dress to Impress’ celebration in Knutsford to raise funds for cancer research.

Tickets for the event at The Old Session House on Princess Street on August 5 have just sold out.

A three-course meal will be served followed by live entertainment.

Jo said: “My long time best friend passed away due to cancer, so I wanted to do something in her memory and also raise money for cancer research.

“After Covid, when people couldn’t go out, I found that many of my friends were missing getting dressed up.

“I decided to make this a special occasion and organise a ‘Dress to Impress’ event.”

Knutsford mum-of-two Jo served with Greater Manchester Police for 17 years until she retired last October.

After planning the event for months, she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received from friends.

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“I could not have done this without help from three friends, Brian Gowing, Sally Evans and James Tipton, who had all been touched by cancer.

“They invested time to help me. We had regular meetings to share ideas, work together and approach businesses.”

The generosity of local shopkeepers and traders has bowled her over.

Jo said: “Although retailers have all suffered financially during Covid, almost every business contributed something for the raffle.

“We managed to obtain 58 lovely prizes.

“This shows how close knit the community of Knutsford, how they have all clubbed together to make this event such a success.

“There have also been financial contributions of £360.”

Perfumes, restaurant meals, MOTs, cut and blows, vouchers and a house window clean are just some of the many prizes.

Legendary boxer Ricky Hatton has donated a day out with a meet and greet, opportunity to watch him train, plus a chauffeur driven car there and back.

This prize will be auctioned on the night.

“I could not have done all this on my own,” said Jo. “I am so grateful to my friends and all the generous business in Knutsford for their support.

“I want to improve awareness of cancer and raise money for research.”

Financial donations to support the event can be made at the Cancer Research UK shop on King Street.