A bucket collection will raise vital funds for a toddler as a popular show makes a welcome return to Lowestoft.

Since Jessica Butler was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma - a rare form of childhood cancer - in April 2021, her family has been raising vital funds to secure further treatment. 

After the battling toddler, from Corton, near Lowestoft went through several rounds of induction chemotherapy, her scans showed less than a 50pc reduction in the disease, meaning she is not eligible for the next stages of frontline treatment on the NHS.

So, the family teamed up with the Solving Kids' Cancer charity to help them raise the funds to access the potentially life-saving treatment - which could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds - and since then numerous events have been held.

Continuing to raise funds, a bucket collection will be held this weekend for Jessica as the popular Comedy Hotspot returns to the Players Theatre in Lowestoft for its final show of 2022,

Taking to the stage this Saturday, December 3 will be James Dowdeswell, Susan Murray, Mike Gunn and local comedian John Mann, who will compere the evening.

Lowestoft Journal: Comedian John Mann performing at a previous Comedy Hotspot Show at the Players Theatre, Lowestoft.Comedian John Mann performing at a previous Comedy Hotspot Show at the Players Theatre, Lowestoft. (Image: Jim Howarth)

A spokesman for the Players Theatre said: "Comedy Hotspot always brings a great line up to Lowestoft, and the December show is no exception.

"As well as making us all laugh, with tickets priced at just £14 the show also provides exceptionally good value."

With all four comedians well-known on the comedy circuit, the evening will feature a bucket collection for Jessica.

Tamara Butler, Jessica’s aunt, said: "After just 19 weeks of fundraising, the amount already raised for Jessica stands at £41,000.

"This is amazing but as the target is hundreds of thousands of pounds we still have a little way to go."

The theatre doors and bar for the comedy night will be open from 7pm and the entertainment will start at 8pm.

The event is strictly for those aged 18 and over.

Tickets are available from the theatre website or by calling the Theatre Box Office on 01502 770020.

To make a donation to the fundraising campaign visit its website.