Mack donates gig takings to girl's cancer fund

Lee Mack is to donate his takings from last night’s show in Stoke to help a two-year-old girl get cancer treatment in America.

The comic heard of Ruby Owen’s plight on the radio when driving back from one of his tour gigs last week – and decided he had to help.

Ruby has had brain surgery and eight courses of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour last year.

Now her father Martin Owen, who lives in Staffordshire, is trying to raise £250,000 to pay for proton therapy in the US, but time is running out.

Mack told the BBC: ‘I was driving back from a show last week listening to Radio 5 live when I heard Ruby's dad.

‘I think anyone who's heard Martin's story can't help being moved, especially as I'm a dad myself. Then I remembered we were taking the show to Stoke-on-Trent and it all sort of fitted in."

Mr Owen said: ‘Words can't explain what a generous act it is. We are just so grateful.’

Mack is not the only person to be moved by Ruby’s plight. Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White pledged £5,000 to help pay for her treatment – despite having never met the family.

Here is a local TV news story about Ruby:

Published: 6 Mar 2010