PARENTS of a three-year-old Hale boy born with a rare liver disease are inviting comedians to step up to the mic in Altrincham next weekend.

Julie and Keith Algie are holding their annual The Big Yellow Friday Comedy Night at Bowdon’s Cinnamon Club on Friday March 4, in support of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The couple’s son, Blair, was born with a rare liver disease and received a life-saving liver transplant two years ago.

CLDF provided support after Blair’s diagnosis and the comedy night is the family’s way of giving back to the little-known charity.

“Liver disease in children is rare – it means a lifetime of care and it’s a shattering experience to be told that your child is affected,” said Julie. “CLDF is a small charity who were there for us with information and emotional support as soon as we received Blair’s diagnosis. Thankfully Blair is currently doing well but we want to know that CLDF will continue to be there for him as he grows up as well as for the many other children who live with childhood liver disease.”

Organised by Buzz Comedy and compered by 2014 Hot Water Comedian of the Year, Nina Gilligan, the event will feature familiar faces on the national comedy circuit, Chris McIlroy, Kevin Dewsbury and Steve Shanyaski.

The couple organised their first comedy night three years ago. After proving popular, it grew into an annual event and more than £25,000 has been raised to date.

Julie added: “We’re determined this one will be the best to date. We have been fortunate once again to have fantastic support from local businesses who have been very generous with raffle prizes. Everyone enjoys a good laugh and this way people can have a great night out and know they are supporting a fantastic cause.”

The family’s efforts have earned the admiration of actress Claire Sweeney. Claire is a patron of CLDF and recently met Julie to hear about her family’s experience.

“Claire was really moved by Blair’s story,” said Julie. “As a mum herself she said she could not imagine what we have been through. I’m delighted that she is now involved with CLDF and can help to raise the profile of this small but vitally important charity.”

The Big Yellow Friday Comedy Night will begin at 7.30pm. For tickets, visit juliealgie06@aol.com.