Tuesday meeting 12.00 for 12.30 finishing at 14.00

Reading the title as an introduction to the following week's speaker, Aireborough Rotary members would have been both flummoxed and intrigued. On the day Jordan gave both a most uplifting and impressive presentation. He took us through Mark's daughter Alex's ten year treatment for breast cancer, initially through chemotherapy at St James Hospital and the family's resultant stunning fundraising effort to support the Leeds Hospitals' Charity.

Helping to underline the talk's 'laughter' in the title included starring roles in an accompanying boisterous video from Alex's far from starstruck nieces. In simple terms the original idea for what became a challenging enterprise centred on encouraging well known comedians to come to Leeds and give a show 'for free'. Beginning first of all at the Carriageworks Theatre later shows progressed to taking to the stage of the uniquely prestigious City Varieties. Members of the family took on different roles with Jordan tasked with hounding agents ceaselessly for the support of their star comedians including so far decidedly well known names like Joe Lycett, John Richardson and Hal Cruttenden. Wife Lizzie for her part brought in both business sponsorships from local companies and secured reduced prices from both participating theatres.

To date, an idea both imaginative, groundbreaking but at first thought experimental  has blossomed into a resounding success. So far more than £150,000 has been raised for the Leeds Hospitals' Charity from an unfailingly optimistic and grateful family and their myriads of enthusiastic supporters.