A BLUE comedian is helping to keep a cancer treatment centre in the black.

Globe-trotting Roy "Chubby" Brown yesterday dropped in at the Holistic Cancer Care Centre, Middlesbrough, with a £5,000 donation.

And not to be upstaged by father, it was revealed that next month his son, roofer Richard Vasey, is planning a sponsored climb of Africa's 19,335ft Mount Kilimanjaro, inspired by Chubby's battle with throat cancer. Richard has already raised £3,000 before even setting foot on the mountain.

Chubby underwent treatment at the North Riding Infirmary and now attends regular follow-up appointments at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

He said: "When I was diagnosed with cancer I was devastated and, like others like me, I thought I wasn't going to come out of that room.

"I just feel it's important for me to help and give something back now. My whole outlook on life has changed and I'm happy to support Richard and the centre, which does a fantastic job."

Richard, who lives in Redcar, east Cleveland, said: "I just thought it was a great idea and dad's situation has definitely spurred me on.

"I've never done anything like it before - the highest I've been is the top of Roseberry Topping."

The care centre, which stands in the grounds, opened its doors last July. More than £700,000 of the charity's £1m target has been raised, thanks to the people's generosity.

Centre manager Sue Stephenson said: "We're over the moon Richard is supporting us and can't believe how much has already been raised, partly thanks to the very generous donation from his dad.''

Anyone wanting to support the climb can make a donation to the centre or contact Ms Stephenson on (01642) 854839.