Medic turned comedian Adam Kay proved laughter is the best prescription by helping to raise £16,000 towards nighttime respite for parents of seriously ill children.

Mr Kay read extracts from his book, This is Going to Hurt, at a comedy evening in aid of Camp Simcha project Evie’s Night Owls, which attracted a crowd of 250 to Stanmore Synagogue.

Other performers were Josh Howie, Philip Simon and Debra Tammer.

Evie’s Night Owls was established by Mill Hill couple Sam and Lee Bladon in memory of their daughter.

Oxygen deprivation during Evie’s birth in 2012 resulted in severe brain damage. Doctors did not expect her to survive beyond 48 hours but Evie lived to the age of three.

However, the 24/7 care she needed put an enormous strain on the family, which Camp Simcha assisted with support including nocturnal respite.

“A proper night’s sleep is only possible with overnight respite care by trained carers,” Mrs Bladon explained. “Those nights made it possible for us to face the next day and be better parents to all three of our children.”

Her husband added that “in the toughest moments, laughter was our other respite, even if some of the humour was on the dark side.

“We were thrilled to see so many people here, helping us to continue to raise money to provide night respite in Evie’s name.”