Rhod Gilbert: Comedy tour for Cardiff cancer centre revealed

Rhod Gilbert was forced to cancel his remaining tour dates after being diagnosed with cancer

A stand-up comedy tour will be held in aid of the hospital where Rhod Gilbert is being treated for cancer.

Organiser Gareth Morris planned a small event, but it has evolved into a 13-date tour across south Wales.

Comedian Gilbert, 53, from Carmarthen, said he had been "blown away by the many messages of support" since his diagnosis.

Comedy nights will take place throughout October to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

Mr Morris said: "It's been incredible. I was expecting it to be a couple of nice local coffee shop gigs, so this is nuts!"

Gilbert revealed last month that he was postponing the remainder of his Book of John due to his illness.

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He is also a patron of Velindre Cancer Centre and has previously raised money for the charity by climbing Kilimanjaro in 2013, as well as taking part in fundraising treks across Nepal and South America.

Mr Morris, from Ammanford, said Gilbert was "an inspiration" with the work he had done for the centre.

Gareth Morris is organising the tour after being inspired by Rhod Gilbert

Velindre Cancer Centre's head of fundraising, Andrew Morris, said fundraisers such as this one were vital.

"We're funded by public support. We provide things over and above what the NHS can provide, so fundraising really does have a huge impact on our patients and families who deal with cancer," he added.

"Rhod has been a fundamental part of that over the last 10 years, raising well over £1m for us.

"We're incredibly grateful to Rhod. It's great that now we can give something back to him when he needs it."

An initial fundraising target of £1,000 has been set, however Mr Morris now hopes to exceed that.