Top comedian Billy Pearce has backed a Doncaster dad's campaign to save other families from the condition that killed his son. 

David Stubbings launched a campaign to help prevent the tragedy of SADS - Sudden Adult Death Syndrome - after he lost his son Carl, aged 22, to the condition last May.

Now comedian Billy, a former star of New Faces and countless variety shows, has pledged to perform a one-of show to raise money for the charity CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The show at Hyde Park Working Men's Club on Nelson Street, on Thursday November 16, has sold out after news spread through word of mouth. 

David, aged 47, of St Ursula's Road, Belle Vue, contacted Mr Pearce about a show, and the comedian phoned back the next day to say he would do it. 

David said: "We will have Billy headlining, plus a bank called Route 66 and a singer. 

When I told Billy what it was for, he said he'd not heard of the charity before, and asked for 24 hours to think about it.  He called back and said 'pencil me in'.  I think its fantastic and the event will raise thousands." 

David announced plans to raise thousands of pounds to enable young people to have heart tests to ensure they are not at risk of SADS after Doncaster coroner Stanley Hooper concluded an inquest into Carl's death in August. 

There were no warning signs before Carl, a languages student, collapsed at his parents' home.  Mr Stubbings became a keen supporter of CRY, which is campaigning for heart screening and ECG testing. 

He wants to launch the Carl Stubbings Memorial Fund to raise cash for heart monitors in Doncaster.  To donate e-mail mark.drfc@btinternet.com

A fundraising ladies night for CRY is at the Pak Hotel, Belle Vue, on Friday Nov 3, selling accessories such as bags, belts and jewellery, as well as a raffle.