A SCOTS comic who suffered a stroke on the opening day of his Edinburgh Fringe present has seen a £7,500 fundraiser arrange in his identify smashed in simply 48 hours.
Raymond Mearns had been booked to carry out his Alive in Hive Present on the Beehive Inn all through August, while additionally giving festival-goers amusing on the transfer along with his Previous City Comedy Strolling Excursions.
Nevertheless, the Glaswegian revealed on Monday that he had suffered a stroke the earlier Friday and after taking medical recommendation was left with no possibility however to cancel this yr’s present.
The Scots funnyman who has appeared in Rab C Nesbitt, River Metropolis and Limmy’s Present has since been inundated with donations after a GoFundMe marketing campaign was set as much as assist him.
The fundraiser, arrange by fellow comedian Graham Mackie, goals to recoup the cash misplaced after Raymond needed to pull his gigs from the acclaimed competition.
Graham arrange the marketing campaign earlier this week, writing: “Hey, my identify is Graham Mackie, my comedy pal Raymond Mearns has had a stroke and I hope we will increase some funds to assist him alongside right now.
“He’s in hospital following the stroke, he’s self-employed and has needed to cancel his gigs for August and can want help to get him again on his toes once more.
“Should you can dig deep right now it could be appreciated.”
The plea hoped to lift £7,500 however surpassed that inside two days with the present stability of donations standing at £8,147.
Donations flooded in from a whole bunch of individuals – together with fellow Scots comedians Janey Godley and Kevin Bridges.
Raymond took to Fb on Monday to replace followers on his situation, writing: “Hey individuals, some readability relating to my state of affairs re Fringe 2023 cancellation.
“I suffered a stroke final Friday morning and was admitted to hospital yesterday and upon recommendation from the docs I had no possibility however to cancel this yr’s present and the comedy stroll.
“Apologies for those who purchased tickets however these will now be refunded by the Fringe workplace.
“Thanks, Raymond
“[PS] I shall be okay; I’ve Annie taking care of me.”
The Edinburgh Fringe Competition sees the highlight of the tradition world beam on the Scots capital with an viewers of greater than 400,000 individuals annually attending occasions in Edinburgh.
