Ha Ha Hadrian’s Wall fundraiser a blistering success for Nick Banks
Former Giggle Beats’ writer Luke Milford perched on top of Hadrian’s Wall
It has been a gruelling six days for the 20 stand-up comedians who walked Hadrian’s Wall for charity – but their hard work has paid off.
This morning Giggle Beats can reveal that the group, led by local comedian Nick Banks, have raised almost £4000 for the Newcastle Healthcare Charity, with the total set to rise to over £5000 in the coming days.
Buoyed by sponsorship from friends and family, the group set off on Thursday 28 March from Bowness On Solway, Cumbria, shaking their buckets for 84 miles across the historical Roman wall.
They finally reached Wallsend yesterday lunchtime, ahead of a homecoming showcase at the Newcastle Stand yesterday afternoon.
In total the comedians, which included Patrick Monahan, Gavin Webster and Seymour Mace, performed six shows along the way, each compered by Monahan.
The funds raised by the group will be heading to The Children and Young People’s Kidney Fund, based at Newcastle’s Royal Victorian Infirmary (RVI).
The Children and Young People’s Kidney Fund supports the unit by raising money for new and innovative medical equipment, enhanced staff training, research projects and patient entertainment and activities, including treats for the children at Christmas.
It is a cause close to organiser Banks, whose best friend’s son has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
And after arriving home in Hartlepool late last night, Banks spoke of his delight at finally being able to thank the RVI staff that helped his friend through a difficult time.
He said: “What a week. What an experience. What a fantastic group of people.
“From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank all the comedians who took part, all the venues and the staff for their great help, all the audiences for coming and donating, all the guys who have donated online, the weather for holding off…
“This week has been truly amazing. We have raised well over £3000, and with sponsorship and donations still coming in we should easily reach the four grand mark – and possibly even £5000.”
Banks added: “I have been truly humbled by the time and effort everyone has put into this; by people I didn’t know until this week and people I did who have truly come through and will remain my friends ‘til the end of time.
“Who’s ready for Comedy Walk 2014?”
You can still donate by visiting the Ha Ha Hadrian’s Wall JustGiving page.
