Press release -
Local charity night promises laughter in support of a good cause
A star-studded stand-up show in aid of the Stroke Association is coming to Angel Comedy Club on 20 October 2024.
Organised by Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, the night will see well-known stand-ups including Janine Harouni, Joshua Bethania, Mark Silcox and stroke survivor, Mr Lorraine.
Alex, 30, from Kensal Rise, said: ‘In September 2020 my dad had a stroke. The effect it had on his life, and on the lives of those who loved him, was devastating.
‘He became paralysed on one side of his body. He needed around-the-clock care. He could no longer do the things he loved - walking our dog, gardening, cooking. He lost his independence.
‘My dad stopped being able to eat or drink unassisted as a result of the stroke. He lost half his body weight and became extremely frail. Eventually, he was unable to eat or drink safely altogether as it led to aspiration - when food or drink enters your airways or lungs. This can cause infections. My dad died in May 2022 from aspiration pneumonia, at the age of 70.
‘The Stroke Association supported my family in the aftermath of my dad's stroke – especially their Helpline. I was shocked to discover that the Stroke Association is the only organisation dedicated to funding research into ongoing rehabilitation for stroke survivors, despite stroke being the leading cause of adult disability in the UK.
‘I want to support the Stroke Association because I want to do everything in my power to help support those who are going through what my family went through. I want to do everything in my power to stop what happened to my dad from happening to anyone else.’
‘Through the Stand Up to Strokes night, I hope to raise awareness of the devastating impact strokes can have on people’s lives and raise money for the Stroke Association.
‘I love comedy, and the stand-up scene has been an immense source of comfort and community for me over the years. It made sense to me to raise money in memory of someone I love with comedians I love. All of the comedians on the line-up are acts my dad either saw and loved or acts I know he would have enjoyed. Acts include Janine Harouni, Joshua Bethania, Mr Lorraine, Blank Peng, Mary O’Connell, Daman Bamrah and Mark Silcox.
‘All the acts are donating their time and talent, and I’m very grateful to Angel Comedy for allowing me to use their space.’
One comedian joining Alex on the night is Lorraine Chademunhu, also known by her comedy name ‘Mr Lorraine’. The mother-of-two had a stroke in June 2022 at the age of 44. Lorraine said: ‘There is a big misconception around young people having a stroke; many people can’t believe I’ve had one. It completely came out of the blue, in an instant my life felt like it turned upside down. As a result of the stroke, I initially struggled with a communication difficulty called aphasia, over time this has improved although I do still have the odd day where it comes back. I also had left sided weakness which similarly has improved. I feel so honoured to be able to support Alex with this comedy night in aid of the Stroke Association.’
Charlotte Lee, fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: ‘Every day, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. We are incredibly grateful to Alex and her friends for supporting the Stroke Association through this comedy night.’
Stand Up to Strokes is happening on Sunday 20 October from 7pm to 9pm. To find out more about Stand Up to Strokes, please visit: https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/stand-up-to-strokes-20th-oct-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202410201900/
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Over 88,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life.
The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to bring the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.
Anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information, guidance or a chat when times are tough.
