NAOMI House & Jacksplace's first virtual comedy night in saw nearly 500 guests raise more than £3,500 for the hospices.

The trial event aimed to spread some much-needed cheer during the third lockdown as well as raising much-needed funds.

The event line-up featured Paul McCaffrey as show host and compere, alongside some of UK’s best known comedians; Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi and Lloyd Griffith all doing sets from the comfort of their own homes.

The unique nature of the event and reliance on technology meant there were some unexpected moments… including a roaming tour of Shappi’s home to find the best Wi-Fi connection, all of which added to the humour and relaxed, jovial nature of the online comedy gig format.

Winchester based comedian and event host Paul McCaffrey told the Daily Echo: “It was my absolute pleasure to be involved with the organising and hosting of this special, online comedy event. We were very lucky that some of the cream of UK comedy talent and familiar names from TV and radio gave their time for free to put on a great show and help to raise funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace at this difficult time.

"Huge props to all at the hospices for the smooth running of the event and massive thanks to everyone who bought a ticket and watched – without you, it would have just been four people shouting at laptops!”

Lucy Gray, Regional Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, added: “We are so pleased with the success of the event. We never expected to sell almost 500 tickets, but we’ve proved we can host a large number of supporters online, which is great.

"On behalf of everyone at the hospices, thank you to everyone that watched the gig and thank you so much to Paul and all of the comedians for giving up your time and efforts to raise money for Naomi House & Jacksplace. We are incredibly grateful for your support and overwhelmed by your generosity.”

All money raised will go towards helping local life limited and life threatened children, young adults and their families.