A comedian thinks the crowd at a forthcoming event will be in ‘Fitz of Giggles’ thanks to a stellar line-up he has brought together for his paralysed friend.

Chris Purchase will be headlining the gig at The Marine on Wednesday (October 7) – but organiser and compére Daniel FitzHenry said any of the other four acts could have taken the top slot.

They will be joined on stage by Tony Cowards, Tom Glover, Louis Burgess and Sally-Anne Hayward, in a fundraiser for Jake Pengelly.

“I’ve known Jake for years,” said Daniel.

“I’m so touched by the support from my comedian friends. Any one of them could have closed the show.

“It’s going to be an absolutely cracking night and all the proceeds are going directly to help Jake. We’re looking to get it absolutely full to the brim.”

Jake had a promising career as a builder, but was left paralysed after a split-second accident when he performed a flip at home in February.

Since then his friends have rallied, thinking up ways to help.

Daniel’s brother, Craig, this month joined five others on a 500-mile bike ride to Amsterdam to fund power-assisted wheels for the 28-year-old’s wheelchair.

They cost £5,000, but more money is needed for physiotherapy.

Daniel decided to call around his friends on the comedy circuit. Louis and Tom are the local acts, from Bridport and Newton Abbot, respectively.

Sally-Anne has compéred comedy gigs at the Glastonbury festival, while one-liner Tony has been named the ‘best joke writer around’ by GQ magazine.

Headliner Chris is a Comedy Store regular, who has supported Reginald D Hunter.

Daniel has organised comedy nights at The Marine in the past, working on the policy that ‘you get more work if you book them yourself’. He also has a big following in Bath with his ‘Fitz of Giggles’ sessions.

Doors will open at 7pm on Wednesday. Tickets are £6 and on sale now at the bar.