Damian Kingsley has raised over £16,000
Ever heard the one about the comedian who had no money but travelled 600 miles and raised £16,000 for charity?
Since March, funny-man Damian Kingsley has been forbidden from using any cash, debit cards or public transport while making his way to Edinburgh on his 120 gig Knock Knock Tour.
Instead, with no shelter, food or transport on his journey – nor access to a daily shower - he begged, borrowed and asked complete strangers for favours in return for telling jokes to anyone and anywhere in order to reach his destination.
Gig locations included pubs, parks, a fruit farm and even a granny’s front room. Along the way Damian asked for donations for Shelter Scotland and raised over £16,000 smashing his original fundraising target of £7,000.
I’ve had days where I’ve not eaten and had no idea where my next meal was coming from – or if it was coming at all.
On reaching Edinburgh on Thursday this week he performed a final show at the Voodoo Rooms to raise further funds.
Speaking afterwards he said it was a real eye opener.
“Looking back at it now, I don’t know what I was thinking. Setting off without a single penny to my name, no food, no place to sleep each night,” he said.
“I’ve had days where I’ve not eaten and had no idea where my next meal was coming from – or if it was coming at all. But ultimately this was my choice and it gave me only a small insight into what homeless people go through every day of their lives.
“Although it was hard, there have been plenty of laughs along the way and I’ve been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity and kindness.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support – every stranger who made me a hot cup of tea or gave me a free lift to keep me going, or just laughed at my jokes. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, added: “We can’t thank Damian enough for putting himself through this experience to raise money for us and help those in need of a safe, secure and affordable home.
“We are humbled that he chose to raise money for Shelter and Shelter Scotland, and although homelessness is no laughing matter, by raising a few laughs on his tour he’s also raised an incredible amount of money that will go a long way in our fight against bad housing and homelessness.”
