Charity coffers swelled by huge Underbelly gig

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit raised more than £32,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity last night

The Edinburgh venue matched the £15,000 ticket income, with another £2,000-plus donated by the audience on the night.

John Bishop headlined the gig at McEwan Hall with Maisie Adam, Rhys Nicholson, Michael Akadiri, Phil Wang, Jessica Fostekew, Danny Bhoy and compere Jason Byrne also on the bill.

The benefit was inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.

Ed said: ‘As I said to the incredible audience, the money raised will go towards a specific paediatric treatment trial in Cambridge that has the genuine potential to turn the tide for some particularly aggressive brain tumours in children. 

‘I thank the amazing acts that performed this evening, everyone in the audience for their unflinching support and would encourage everyone to dig deep and consider making a donation via our JustGiving page.'

Over the years, Underbelly has now raised nearly £132,000 for the charity.

Gina Almond, director of fundraising and marketing at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: ‘We are so proud of our continued partnership and loyal support from Underbelly and it is just brilliant that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year; such a welcome return after the pandemic.

‘Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer, and this must change.

Published: 17 Aug 2022