A COMEDIAN is taking to the stage to help raise money to fight the condition that killed his dad.

Former Westcliff High School for Boys pupil Marc Shalet, 20, of Southchurch Boulevard, Southend, was on a gap year before accepting a place at Cambridge University when his dad, Jeffrey, 68, had died from a stroke.

He is now planning Jokes for Strokes, a comedy fundraiser at the Railway Hotel, in Scratton Road, Southend.

He will perform on Thursday July 1 and all the money raised will go to the Stroke Association.

Speaking about his dad, Marc said: “He seemed a healthy man up until the end, so it came as a shock.

“In the following months my family struggled through the difficulties caused by his death.

“But when the dust settled, I decided to return to my ideas for charity fundraising to help others affected by the condition.”

Marc is now at the end of his first year studying English at Cambridge University.

He is a regular on the student comedy scene and has performed for TV presenter Vanessa Feltz.

He has also done open-mic shows in London and with the Footlights Club, a training ground for generations of top British comedians.

At the comedy night at the Railway, he says there will be a mix of professional comics, cabaret acts and a supporting bill of amateur acts from Cambridge.

You can donate to the cause at www.justgiving.com/jokesforstrokes