Comedians are lining up to pay tribute to late comic Linda Smith at a special fundraising gig in October.
Arthur Smith, Angela Barnes, Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden, Bridget Christie, Jan Ravens, Jeremy Hardy, Jo Caulfield, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Mark Steel, Mark Thomas, Ruby Wax, Sarah Jane Morris and Barb Jungr are among those set to appear at the Cambridge Theatre in London on October 8. All proceeds will be donated to Target Ovarian Cancer.
Linda Smith was a comedian, comedy writer and broadcaster who died from ovarian cancer in 2006 at the age of 48. She started her career in professional theatre and comedy, winning awards for her stand-up before breaking into radio, gaining the title of “wittiest person on the planet” as voted by BBC Radio 4 listeners in 2002. She kept her diagnosis quiet, not wanting to be seen as a patient, and died just three years later. Her life and work were honoured at the British Academy Television Awards in 2006, and her impact was profoundly felt as fellow comedians such as Andy Hamilton and Dawn French paid tribute with radio shows and TV episodes dedicated to her.
Linda’s partner, Warren Lakin, has since been tirelessly raising funds for Target Ovarian Cancer through the Loving Linda comedy gala, a fantastic star-studded evening. This year will see the eighth event, featuring some of the best-known comedians in the UK including Ruby Wax, Angela Barnes, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Mark Steel and many more.
Ovarian cancer can be devastating, as research into the disease is chronically underfunded and the UK’s survival rates are some of the worst in Europe. Awareness is alarmingly low, with many women unable to identify the main symptoms - persistent bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and urinary symptoms. Target Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity with the bold aim of doubling survival within a generation by raising awareness and funding research, as well as supporting women and their families. Join us for Loving Linda 2018 at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End and help us to accelerate change and transform the futures of more than 25,000 women living with ovarian cancer in the UK.
Susan Booth, Director of Development at Target Ovarian Cancer says “The Loving Linda comedy gala has always been a wonderful way to remember a very special woman gone too soon, while also raising awareness and funds for women who face an ovarian cancer diagnosis today. I’m delighted we’re hosting the event once again this year, with our most spectacular line-up yet.”
Buy tickets here.
