Top comics prime the pump for Malawi water charity

A NEW Scottish charity was stunned when two of Britain's top Asian comics agreed to appear at a one-off show.

Have I Got News for You panellist Shazia Mirza and Jeff Mirza, of The Kumars at No. 42 and Bend It Like Beckham fame, will appear at Hamilton Town Hall next Tuesday.

All proceeds from the show will go to the Well Foundation, a charity that provides clean drinking water to some the poorest people on the planet.
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The comedy show will be followed by an auction to benefit the foundation's Malawi project.

The project is trying to raise £20,000 to build much needed wells in the African country and has already raised over £6000.

The Well Foundation was set up by a group of friends after they became aware of the lack of clean drinking water in Malawi.

Sohail Ashraf, from Glasgow, said: "We decided we had to help, so last year we began to organise ourselves starting the Well Foundation charity."

The ten friends set themselves a target of raising £20,000 to build wells, install hand pumps and educate people on health and sanitation.

"We are really focused and driven," said Sohail, "We are determined to make a real difference to people in Malawi's lives."

The group decided to organise the comedy night to raise smiles - as well as cash.

Sohail said: "I had seen Jeff before and thought he was excellent so was desperate to get him on board. We told him what we were trying to do and he agreed to perform.

"We then thought about Shazia but never in our wildest dreams did we think that she would say yes. We thought she'd tell us to get lost."

Along with the comedians there will also be an auction with lots including a Barcelona top, signed by the whole team, and boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali.

"With prizes like this, we are hopeful that we will raise £10,000 be well on our way to smashing our project target."