Comics launch fundraising effort
STANDUP comedians are launching a massive fundraising effort across Wales after one of the country’s bestknown and loved entertainers was diagnosed with cancer last month.
Rhod Gilbert, 53, is the most popular Welsh stand-up comedian of recent times, selling thousands of tickets across the UK over a 20-year career.
Most recently he has been touring the country with his epic The Book of John tour, which started in 2019.
The tour, which still had dates to run before it was postponed, saw the Carmarthen-born comic perform several sold-out shows at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.
Gilbert was due to perform at the new Swansea Arena in the middle of July – but the show was postponed on medical advice.
A short time later, Gilbert confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was to receive treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, which he has been a patron of for years.
During that time, he has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for those suffering with cancer through various activities, including trekking to Patagonia and to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Having done so much for the cancer centre, many of his fellow comedians have now stepped forward to organise a coordinated programme of stand-up comedy events taking place in October right across south Wales, showcasing some of the best comedy talent in the country.
Ammanford-based comedian Gareth Morris has said he was inspired to “pick up the baton” and ensure that the rest of Wales’ comedy community does its bit for Velindre as Rhod undergoes his treatment at the centre over the next few months.
Originally, the plan was to hold just one comedy night in Cardiff, but the outpouring of support soon meant that a much wider project should be undertaken, including events in Carmarthen and Ammanford.
“Mr Gilbert’s fundraising work over the years has been nothing less than inspiring,” said Morris.
“I looked to organise what would be a one-off comedy night to raise a couple of pounds for the Velindre Centre, but instead I was met with comedians wanting to support the cause.”
There will be a special closing night held on October 21 at Beefy’s Comedy Club in Rhiwbina, Cardiff.
Meanwhile, anyone interested in hosting their own night or offering their services to perform can get in touch with organisers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesstandsup/