Comedy night raises £1,777 for HARP

A comedy night organised by local running club Leigh-On-Sea Striders has raised £1,777 for Southend’s homeless charity, HARP.

Guests at the sell-out night enjoyed hilarious stand-up sets from three comedians on the national circuit - Leo Kearse, President Obonjo and Rudi Lickwood - as well as an auction and raffle hosted by the evening’s compere Andre Vincent. All the money raised from the night, which was hosted by Joker Comedy Club at Chalkwell Park Rooms, will go towards helping local people overcome homelessness for good.

HARP’s Fundraising and Communications Manager, Stephen Mansfield, said: “We’d like to say a special thank you to Ellie, Elisha and Jo from Leigh-On-Sea Striders for organising such a fantastic evening, as well as Joker Comedy Cub for hosting the event, all of the comedians on the night and all of the amazing guests, especially those that dug deep during the auction!”

“It’s fantastic to see the local community come together to help some of the most vulnerable people in our town. The money raised on the night will make a huge difference to the lives of local people who have been affected by homelessness.”

HARP provide a safe place for local homeless people at their Bradbury Day Centre on York Road.

At The Bradbury Centre, people without a permanent home can have a cooked breakfast and lunches, use washing facilities and access support. HARP also house up to 174 people who would otherwise be homeless. As well as providing shelter, HARP help link people to support groups and educational courses so that they have the best possible chance of beating homelessness for good.

Find out more about what we do and who we help at HARP.