A comedy evening has generated £51,000 for a charitable cause.

The Helen & Douglas House charity comedy fundraiser was held at Oxford’s New Theatre on Monday, March 9, collecting money for terminally ill youngsters and their relatives.

A total of 1,622 spectators were present at the event, which was anchored by comedian Matt Richardson and featured performances from Ed Byrne, Zoe Lyons, Fin Taylor, Andrew Bird, Laura Smyth, Scott Bennett, and Andrew White.

Every performer gave their time without charge to support the initiative.

Jo Manners, a resident of Woodstock who was among those at the gala, expressed her thoughts about the occasion, describing it as a tremendous comedy evening supporting a worthy cause. She noted feeling fortunate to witness such an impressive roster of comics delivering an entertaining evening of constant amusement. She found it particularly touching to listen to a father whose family had accessed Helen & Douglas House services for his son. According to her, his account powerfully demonstrated why occasions like this matter so much, as they fund the assistance that enables additional families to receive care.

The event collected £51,000, a sum that encompasses proceeds from the raffle held during the evening.

Charlotte Barmby, representing Helen & Douglas House, commented that the charity’s comedy gala made its return for the second consecutive year on Monday evening and proved tremendously successful. She expressed gratitude to all ticket purchasers who joined them for an evening of laughter, as well as to the Oxford New Theatre staff. She considered it a genuine honour and highlight to organise this occasion alongside the remarkable Matt Richardson, who handles hosting duties and assembles the lineup while everyone involved contributes their time freely.

She additionally thanked businesses that contributed raffle prizes and made particular mention of Mr Cole, whose family had utilised the charity’s services, for recounting his experience at the event.

Ms Barmby further stated she wished to extend her sincere thanks to Matt, Zoe Lyons, Scott Bennett, Laura Smyth, Andrew White, Fin Taylor, Andrew Bird, and Ed Byrne for their support of the occasion. The total raised so far stands at £51,000, which incorporates funds collected through the evening’s raffle.

Daryl Cole’s son Jago passed away at Helen & Douglas House when he was just 18 months old.

During his speech at the gala, Mr Cole spoke about the charity’s assistance during his family’s period of bereavement, including providing them with the opportunity and space to bid farewell to Jago and offering individual sessions to help them start dealing with their sorrow.

Helen & Douglas House operates as a hospice providing care for terminally ill children and support for their families.

Contributions can be submitted through hdh.org.uk.

The upcoming comedy gala is scheduled to take place at the Oxford New Theatre on Monday, March 15, 2027.