Comedians to walk Hadrian's Wall for charity
Stand-up comedian Nick Banks (pictured) is organising something called the 'Ha Ha Hadrians Wall Charity Walk' this Easter. We asked him a few questions to find out more.
Hi Nick. Could we start of by asking you to introduce yourself?
Sure. Hello, my name is Nick Banks and I have been doing stand-up just over 2 years. Previous to that, I served in the British Army doing tours of duty in the Gulf, Kosovo and Bosnia.
I always wanted to do stand-up and, when I turned 30, it was a case of 'if I don't do it now, I never will'. It's been a really good decision, I have enjoyed performing around the country and meeting new people and just how everyone wants everyone else to do well - it's a comradeship I have not experienced since being in the army.
So, yeah, the reason we're talking is that you've organised a charity walk, with gigs, along Hadrian's Wall. Can you explain more about what that entails please?
Certainly. So, basically, about 10 months ago I approached a few comedians who I had met on the circuit and became friends with to find out if they would be interested in doing something for charity - something a little bit different to the usual comedy charity nights. They agreed, and then more comedians expressed an interest in taking part as well. I received more and more emails from people saying they would like to take part, which was really great and really humbling at the same time, especially for people to give up a week of their lives to come and do this mammoth challenge.
The walk itself will take 6 days and we will walk 84 miles. In that time we will put on 7 gigs across Hadrian's Wall, where people can come and watch and just have a good time and see live comedy.
What a great idea. So how many comedians you managed to rope in?
A lot. We have ITV's Show Me The Funny winner Patrick Monahan compering the whole walk, and we have top headliners such as Michael Redmond, Sully O'Sullivan, Martin Mor, Ian Cognito, Seymour Mace and Silky. Plus we have some of the best up-and-coming guys too, such as Adam Rushton, Carl Gillespie, Fran Garrity, Ruth E Cockburn and Freddy Quinne, to name a few.
So what is the aim?
About a year ago my best friend's youngest son, Harry, got diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and he will require a transplant... so, it's as a thank you to the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for the way they have looked after Harry and have been at the end of the phone or in person to answer any questions that my mate and his family have.
They have been amazing. The care that they show, not just to Harry, but to all children in the North of England who are going through this, is amazing and I tip my hat to them. The nurses, the doctors - these are the guys that help these kids and I don't think they get enough praise for the job they do and, like I say, if I can play a small part in raising some money for the children and the Young People's Kidney Fund - to help with extra training, medical equipment, activities for the kids to do while they are in hospital - then I will, and this is why the walk is taking place.
Definitely something worthy of supporting. Well said. So, how can people get involved?
You can follow us on Twitter (@comedywalk2013) or go to our website where you will find links to all the walkers, the dates and venues of each night's show, and the Just Giving page.
The gigs are going to be all free, but we are asking for a donation at the end of every gig - be it a small or large donation - Every Penny Helps!
Awesome. Looking at the plan on your website, Day 4 looks like it's going to be a particular killer? 19 miles!
Ha ha, yeah, it's going to be tough that day and it's very hilly. I have walked the wall twice before so I know what to expect, but the guys who have not will be in for a shock! But it will be a lot of fun - comedians are not generally known for their athleticism, and I am sure there will be blisters and sore legs but it will be a great laugh and hopefully people will know what we are doing and come walk with us and just lighten the mood. It will be hard work but, in the end, it is worth it and at the end everyone can say 'yeah I have walked Hadrian's Wall'.
Well, best of luck to you and the rest of the walkers Nick! We'll be following your progress via Twitter.
The 'Ha Ha Hadrians Wall Charity Walk' takes place March 28th - April 3rd. As Nick says, you can find out much more on the website
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