Sara Pascoe was among six leading comedians who performed at a fundraiser on Saturday night in aid of a charity established in memory of a boy who lived for just 142 days.

Donnie Berenblut had a rare and serious genetic condition which caused a raft of severe medical problems.

His short life was spent in the neonatal unit at University College Hospital in London, whose care was praised as “fantastic” by his parents, Ruth and Marcel.

They set up Donnie’s Fund in 2017 with the aim of improving the lives of families with babies in neonatal intensive care at UCH through facilities not funded through the NHS.

The comedy night at the Bloomsbury Theatre was organised by compere Rachel Creeger, attracted a sell-out crowd of more than 500 and raised £30,000-plus.

Mr Berenblut said the money would help to “support families at a deeply stressful time emotionally, financially and logistically. The event was a way to remember Donnie, surrounded by people and see good come from his life.”