Comedians to gig along Hadrian's Wall for charity

A group of comedians are hoping to raise more than laughs when they tackle an 84-mile trek along Hadrian's Wall for charity.

The 15-strong collective - led by stand-up Nick Banks - are preparing for a challenge that will see them walk the length of the landmark in just over a week, stopping to perform free stand-up gigs along the route.

As part of the Ha Ha Hadrian's Wall Walk, now in its third year, the group aim to raise thousands of pounds for the UK's leading dementia research charity Alzheimer's Research UK, spurred on by thoughts of friends and loved ones who have been affected by the condition.

The eight-day challenge, which starts on the 21st May, will begin with the group setting off from Newcastle to their first stop at Heddon-on-the-Wall, where they will camp overnight and perform a free comedy gig at The Swan pub. Their route will then take them west along Hadrian's Wall, walking around 11 miles each day with more shows planned at The George in Chollerton, Twice Brewed in Hexham, the Green Head in Greenhead, The Venue in Carlisle and the Hope and Anchor in Port Carlisle. Each show will be free to attend, with bucket collections being held to help boost the group's fundraising total.

This is the third time the group has taken on the adventure. Banks, from Hartlepool, will be joined by over a dozen comedians including Seymour Mace, Pat Monahan, John Cooper, Nina Smith, Matthew Fong, Frank Garrity and Tim Strange.

The friends chose to support Alzheimer's Research UK for this year's challenge after seeing several loved ones battle dementia. Nick Banks explains: "We've done this a few times now, and I first came up with the idea after doing this walk when I was the army. In our first year we did the trek in April and found ourselves camping in temperatures of minus 9, but hopefully this time of year will be a lot warmer!

"It's a big challenge, and it can be tough, but everyone is always in good spirits when we all get together and with so many comedians in one place it should be a good laugh. A lot of the places we're planning shows don't often get live comedy coming through, so it's a chance to bring people something different and hopefully they'll be good fun nights.

"We chose to support Alzheimer's Research UK because so many of us have seen someone affected by dementia. Some of the group have seen grandparents die with dementia or have parents battling it now, and I have a friend who's only in his late 30s who's affected. It's a cause that's close to our hearts and we want to raise as much as possible - the first two walks raised £10,000 for charity and if we can beat that, we'll be very happy."

Claire Priestwood from Alzheimer's Research UK says: "What an incredible challenge! We couldn't be more grateful to Nick and his friends for their support and we'll be wishing them well as they set off on their journey. The money they raise will help provide crucial resources for our scientists, helping to bring new treatments and preventions closer.

"Over 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK, including over 1,000 people in Hartlepool alone, and we urgently need new ways to fight the diseases that cause it. Research has the power to transform lives, but we rely on public support to be able to fund our pioneering research. It's thanks to people like Nick and his friends that we're able to continue our work."

To sponsor the group visit virginmoneygiving.com

Below is 'Hitting The Wall', a one hour documentary about the first walk in 2013: