On Friday 11 October 2024, seven comedians – led by Jon Richardson – came together to entertain an audience of over 1,000 people at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Jon Richardson & Friends Comedy Night raises over £43k

Inspired by Jon’s friendship with local Aylesbury man Martin Hywood, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, the Jon Richardson & Friends Comedy Night raised £43,408 through ticket sales as well as donations and a raffle on the night.
Stand-up comedian and TV personality Jon Richardson compered the show and was joined by a star-studded line-up of comedy friends. The first half of the show featured a rising star on the comedy circuit, Louise Young; ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalist, Kojo Anim; and comedian, actor, writer and presenter, Tim Vine. They were followed in the second half by Ivo Graham, known for his witty, self-depreciating humour; top political comedian Matt Forde and leading stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster Suzi Ruffell.

Jon’s involvement with the charity started several years ago when he met his friend Martin Hywood at a Leeds United football match. Martin, from Aylesbury, lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a rare progressive condition which causes his muscles to weaken over time. In addition to raising money through events like this comedy night, Jon has helped to increase awareness by supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK and talking about muscle wasting conditions.
“Martin and I have been mates for years and it’s a pleasure for me to support him and Muscular Dystrophy UK in this way.”
Following his diagnosis in 1996, Martin and his family walked a mile in 2012 and raised £1,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Since then, he has gained a huge team of support and in 2018 made his commitment to the charity and to raising funds official by becoming a Muscular Dystrophy UK Family Fund – Hywood’s Heroes. The money raised from this comedy night and other fundraising activities brings the total raised by Hywood’s Heroes over the last six years to over £300,000.
Speaking about the event, Martin Hywood said: “I’m the biggest comedy fan in the world and I honestly think we exceeded my expectations with this line-up. I have so many people to thank – my family and friends who came along to support, everyone who volunteered on the night, my Muscular Dystrophy UK colleagues, people who donated raffle prizes, the theatre staff, and of course all the comedians who generously donated their time. Finally, my mate, Jon Richardson, who I will forever be in debt to for the kindness he has shown me.
“I’m so chuffed about how much was raised to help the charity fund research and support, but also hope that the event helped to increase awareness of muscular dystrophy.”
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