Comic John’s charity boost
COMEDIAN John Bishop headlined an event that raised £130,000 for a Stockport charity.
The Man@Manchester comedy afternoon was attended by hundreds of men who were raising money for Beechwood, a charity that supports people with cancer and life-limiting illnesses and through bereavement and trauma.
John said: “I have a lot of affection for Manchester.
“My three sons grew up in Manchester, so it is always good to be here.
“I also volunteered for a cancer care centre when I was 17 – which is one of the reasons why I said I would perform for Beechwood. Working there was a massive lesson in life – about why you should make the most of it and do your best by everyone – but also it taught me you can always find a laugh where you would not necessarily think you can find a laugh.”
John was joined on the bill at the event at The Principal on Oxford Road, Manchester, by fellow stand-up acts Gary Marshall, Colin Manford and magician Ben Hanlin.
The event, which is now in its third year, included a three-course meal, auction and raffle.
The amount raised this year smashed last year’s total by £55,000.
Angela Gray, fundraising manager at Beechwood, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of money that was raised at this year’s event.
“It is absolutely phenomenal.
“Thank you to all our supporters, sponsors and patrons for making it a day to remember.”