Crowdfunder launched for Scottish comedy 'godfather' forced to pull plug on Fringe shows after suffering a stroke

Performers rally round Raymond Mearns

Comics are rallying round a leading Scottish stand-up after he was forced to pull the plug on all of his Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearances after suffering a stroke.

A crowdfunder has been launched after Raymond Mearns, a regular on BBC Scotland's Breaking the News show, announced on Facebook that he had a stroke on Friday.

Mearns, who has also appeared in Rab C Nesbitt and Limmy's Show, said he had been admitted to hospital and given medical advice to cancel his stand-up show and a comedy walking tour around the Old Town.

More than £5000 has already been raised for Mearns, who was due to appear at the Beehive Inn, in the Grassmarket, and has been performing at the Fringe for more than 20 years.

After cancelling his Fringe appearances over the weeked, Mearns announced on his Facebook page: “Hello people. Some clarity regarding my situation re Fringe 2023 cancellation.

“I suffered a stroke last Friday morning and was admitted to hospital yesterday and upon advice from the doctors I had no option but to cancel this year's show and the comedy walk.

“Apologies if you bought tickets but these will now be refunded by the Fringe office.”

Raymond Mearns.

The GoFundMe page set up by fellow comic Graham Mackie states: “My comedy pal Raymond Mearns has had a stroke and I hope we can raise some funds to help him along at this time.

“He's in hospital having had a stroke. He's self-employed and has had to cancel his gigs for August and will need support to get him back on his feet again.

“If you can dig deep at this time it would really be appreciated.”

Mackie told The Scotsman: “Raymond phoned me a few weeks ago after our pal Patrick Rolink had a stroke and said 'big man set up a GoFundMe for Patrick and I'll kick it off with its first donation.”

“Raymond was the inspiration for Patrick's GoFundMe and a few weeks later I have done the honour of setting one up for him too.

“Some of our other comedy buddies are setting up a fundraising gala also. The comedy community is getting behind him to support him and help financially given he has had to cancel his Fringe run.”

Ray Bradshaw is among the comics who have shared the crowdfunding page for Mearns.

He said: “Raymond Mearns is one of the most naturally funny comics I've met.

“He sadly suffered a stroke on the first day of the Fringe and has had to pull his entire run.

“He'll lose a chunk of money from cancelling it so there's a gofundme to help.”

Scott Agnew said: “Beloved as the ‘Godfather of Scottish comedy,’ Raymond Mearns is widely considered one of the best comedians to have graced a stage in the UK.

"Obviously he's not only lost the outlay he's spent on his Fringe run, he's lost all his income too. Not inconsiderable given he is usually sold out night after night. If you can spare something please make a wee donation.”

Chris Brooker said: “One of the good ones on the circuit, Raymond Mearns is in hospital after a stroke. If you've a spare quid or two to help him get through the lean time in recovery it'll make a huge difference.

Scot Squad star Chris Forbes said: “Raymond Mearns is an absolute legend and this is horrible news.”