Top comedian Jon Richardson hosted an impressive line-up raising funds for Haven House.

The 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown star brought friends Rob Beckett, Ninia Benjamin, Pete Firman and Suzi Ruffell to the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green for a sell-out show.

The comedians pulled out all the stops to put on a fabulous show and had the audience in stitches for hours.

Jon is an avid supporter of hospices and initially came to hear about Haven House on Twitter after one of the hospice’s shops was broken into causing devastation for staff and volunteers. Jon, a regular on Have I Got News for You, reached out Haven House offering his support.

He then met three-year-old Annabelle Thomas, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 and who receives care from the hospice.

Jon Richardson said:

Supporting Haven House is something I feel very strongly about. The hospice is remarkable and provides a vital service, helping families through challenging times. Annabelle, her mum Michelle and dad Chris, won my heart when I met them. Hearing how the hospice has supported them in their time of need was inspirational.

Like most people I only really found out about the amazing hospices do when one stepped in to provide exemplary care for a family member. They have done so many times since and I will never be able to repay that debt. Haven House is a particularly special example. Their staff are true heroes and I will continue to offer my support for as long as I am able.

Head of Community Engagement at Haven House Lindy Hunt said:

What a cracking evening for Haven House. We are very grateful to Jon for hosting such a special evening for us. We would like to thank our stellar line-up of comedians for giving us their time for free, the audience for bringing the roof down with laughter and applause and to our sponsors Orbian Management.

Every penny raised will go directly towards continuing care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and support for their families.

Orbian, Sponsors



Thank you to our photographer: Stephen Pover Photography