A comedy night in Aylesbury has raised over £43k for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Seven comedians – led by Jon Richardson – came together to entertain an audience of over 1,000 people at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and raise money for charity.
The Jon Richardson & Friends Comedy Night was held in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
Inspired by Jon's friendship with local Aylesbury man Martin Hywood, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, the comedy night raised £43,408 through ticket sales as well as donations and a raffle on the night.
"Martin and I have been mates for years and it's a pleasure for me to support him and Muscular Dystrophy UK in this way," said Jon Richardson.
Following his diagnosis in 1996, Martin and his family walked a mile in 2012 and raised £1,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Since then, he has gained a huge team of support and in 2018 made his commitment to the charity and to raising funds official by becoming a Muscular Dystrophy UK Family Fund – Hywood's Heroes. The £43,408 raised from this comedy night brings the total raised by Hywood's Heroes over the last six years to £300,600.
Speaking about the event, Martin Hywood said: "I'm the biggest comedy fan in the world and I honestly think we exceeded my expectations with this line-up. I have so many people to thank – my family and friends who came along to support, everyone who volunteered on the night, my Muscular Dystrophy UK colleagues, people who donated raffle prizes, the theatre staff, and of course all the comedians who generously donated their time. Finally, my mate, Jon Richardson, who I will forever be in debt to for the kindness he has shown me. I'm so chuffed about how much was raised to help the charity fund research and support, but also hope that the event helped to increase awareness of muscular dystrophy."
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