Four Jewish comedy stars are to put on a special performance in tribute to a 22-year-old graduate who is battling cancer.

Joshua Lerner had just finished a chemistry masters degree last year when he was diagnosed with life-threatening Hodgkin lymphoma.

His reaction was to start writing a blog about his treatment.

He said: “It has been a rough year. I started my blog as a bit of an escape and I’ve had over 65,000 visitors to it since I was diagnosed in October. I think it is important to find the humour in all situations and that is how I write.”

Now, comedians Adam Bloom, Sol Bernstein, Mark Maier and Daniel Cainer have agreed to appear at the comedy night Josh For Laughs, to raise money for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity chosen by Mr Lerner.

He said: “I picked that particular cause because I know that it is with research that we find cures and better drugs. The aim was for us to raise £12,000 and we are nearly there.”

The event has been organised by Rosalind Marks, a friend of the Lerner family.

She said: “I was so inspired by Joshua. Even though the treatment has been quite gruelling for him, he has kept such a great sense of humour.”

Mr Lerner, who is a member of Bevis Marks Synagogue, finished a round of treatment this month and is waiting to see how his cancer has responded.

He said: “I haven’t had much to write about in the last few weeks and I’m quite glad about that. I hope I won’t have to in the future.”

The comedy night will take place on Wednesday May 21 at JW3 in London. Details at www.justgiving.com/joshforlaughs.