People hoping to see Susan Calman at this year's Edinburgh Fringe have just one chance at this year's Big Brain Cancer Benefit

Comedian Susan Calman is to appear only once at this year’s Edinburgh Festival at a fundraiser for Brain Tumour Charity.

Calman, who was a contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, will headline the Big Brain Tumour Benefit.

The event was created after Underbelly founder Ed Bartlam’s four-year-old son Alfie was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The venue raised £30,000 for the charity at a similar event last year in its famous purple cow venue.

Brain tumours are the biggest killer of children and adults under 40. The Brain Tumour Charity funds research into the disease as well as campaigning to raise awareness of symptoms.

Alfie, who is now five, has a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. He was diagnosed over a year ago, has undergone surgery to remove the tumour as well as treatment in Florida and London. He is still undergoing treatment.

Bartlam said: “I sadly know first hand how devastating a brain tumour diagnosis can be. The Brain Tumour Charity is doing an amazing job at both increasing awareness and raising money to fund much-needed research into these forms of disease.”

Calman added: “It takes a lot to get me out of my self-imposed (brief) retirement from stand-up comedy but when Underbelly asked me to host this show, I had to say yes. They gave me one of my big breaks in the world of comedy by allowing me to perform several shows with them and have continued to support me throughout my careers.

“It will be an honour to MC this incredible show with so many fabulous acts.”

The Big Brain Tumour Benefit is on Monday 13 August at 7pm. Tickets are already on sale at £20.