The show Gareth Richards was due to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe  has been turned into a benefit for his family.

The comedian had arranged his Free Fringe venue before he died last month after a motorway crash. Now his friends Danny Ward and Mark Simmons will use to the slot he should have had each day as a fundraising hour for his two sons.

All proceeds from the cash and card collection at the end of the show will go to the trust fund set up for them, which has already received more than £45,000 in crowdfunding donations.

A Show For Gareth Richards, features a different line-up each day, with Adam Kay, Nick Helm, Iain Stirling, Jo Caulfield and Marcus Birdman among those confirmed to perform.

The show takes place on the PBH Free Fringe at 4pm every day at the Whistlebinkies Bar, from August 5 to 24.

Simmons and Ward have also vowed that they will be signing off their Jokes podcast with the phrase ‘Be More Gareth’, saying: ‘It will keep his spirit close and it’s also a cracking mantra for life – be more gentle, kind considered and brave no matter the cost.  It’s also applied to the writing of comedy too – be funnier.’

Richards, best known for his role as Frank Skinner’s radio sidekick, was nominated for best newcomer at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe.