A Bradford former head teacher is asking people to step back in time and put on their dancing shoes for a moneyspinning event to fight cancer.

Jan Cawley, of Leaventhorpe Lane, Thornton, has organised a dance with a 1940s and 1950s theme to raise cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The 54-year-old lost both her parents to cancer and her son developed the disease when he was 23.

The former head teacher of St Augustine's Primary School, Otley Road, is hoping the Boogie Blitz will help her reach the sponsorship needed to help her trek across Machu Picchu in Peru and raise even more money.

The dance will be held at the New Tyke Pub, Thornton Road, which will be decked out in memorabilia on the party theme, thanks to a designer from Manchester who has offered her services for free.

Music will be provided by DJ GI Jive.

Mrs Cawley said: "I have managed to raise up to £2,000 and need to raise £500 more to reach my total. But I've set my target as £3,000 because I want to raise as much money as I can for Marie Curie."

She added: "I lost both my parents to cancer and I almost lost my son.

"He lost his right leg and was told he would never have children. So, I know what going through cancer care is like."

Mrs Cawley's son is now 33, married and has three daughters.

She said: "Mine is a happy story but it is not so for many cancer patients and it is the Marie Curie nurses who make their lives bearable.

"I just thought that if we were going to ask people to donate money we should do something different and have fun at the same time."

Brenda Doyle, community fundraising manager for Marie Curie Bradford, said Mrs Cawley had worked hard to raise the money.

The Boogie Blitz will be held at the New Tyke Pub, Thornton Road, on February 8. Doors will open at 7.30pm for 8pm.

Tickets are £4 and will be available on the door or can be bought in advance by calling (01274) 881145.

To sponsor Mrs Cawley's Inca Trail visit www.justgiving.com/ janstrek