Russell Howard, Nina Conti, Flo & Joan and Jason Byrne are some of the names playing the Edinburgh Fringe's annual benefit in support of The Brain Tumour Charity, MC'd this year by John Hastings.
The show takes place on 12th August at the Underbelly in Bristo Square. All ticket income goes directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-founder Ed Bartlam’s son Alfie was just four years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer.
Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries. The Brain Tumour Charity’s HeadSmart campaign aims to reduce brain tumour and brain cancer diagnosis times to four weeks or less.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “This year’s line up is stupendously strong! I’m incredibly grateful to all of the comedians taking part for supporting such an important cause. I’ve seen the devastating effects of brain tumours in children first hand and it’s vital that we raise both awareness of the disease and money to help find cures. Our brain tumour benefit show is a wonderful way to do just that whilst also watching one of the strongest comedy line-ups you’ll find anywhere on the Fringe. My son Alfie just asks you to ‘buy a ticket, please’.”
Geraldine Pipping, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Director of Fundraising, said: “Our partnerships are key to our strategy of raising vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour. The continued support of Underbelly and The Big Brain Benefit is hugely appreciated and the event is set to be even bigger and better in 2019. We know that their invaluable help will make a real difference for everyone affected.
“Every year, 11,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour – that’s 30 a day – and our five-year research strategy A Cure Can’t Wait aims to double survival within 10 years and halve the harm caused by brain tumours on quality of life.
“We receive no government funding and rely 100% on voluntary donations and gifts in Wills, so it’s only through the support of Ed, Charlie and the team at Underbelly, that we can work towards our twin goals of doubling survival and halving the harm caused by brain tumours.
“We are committed to fighting for all those people whose lives are turned upside down by this devastating disease. Thank you to Underbelly for their continued support”.
Book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit here
