Peter Kay ‘spent time off work raising £35k for children’s charity for mitochondrial disease’
PETER Kay spent time off work raising £35,000 for a children’s charity, it's been reported.
The 45-year-old has been praised for making a "real difference" fundraising to help those suffering from mitochondrial disease since cancelling his sell-out UK tour in December 2017.
This week he was seen for the first time in a year enjoying an outing to Blackpool.
Before that he was last pictured in April 2018 at a charity screening of his BBC sitcom Car Share.
According to the , the event at Blackpool Opera House raised £34,620 and will be used to support affected families and fund scientific research.
The appearance was in support of mitochondrial disease, which is said to cause seizures, fatigue, vision and hearing loss, cognitive disabilities, respiratory problems or poor growth. There is currently no cure for the disorder that attacks cells in our bodies.
Speaking at the charity event, Peter said: "Thank you very much for supporting the raising money for mitochondrial disease.
"Very kind of you. I appreciate it. Enjoy the last ever episode of Car Share.
"Don’t tell anyone the end. Or tell anyone about any hedgehogs."
The Lily Foundation was founded in 2007 by Liz Curtis in memory of her daughter Lily, who died from mitochondrial disease at eight months old.
said: “We can’t thank Peter and his team enough for this incredibly generous donation.
"For a small charity like ours this is a very significant sum.
"Not only has it helped raise awareness, it has also given hope and encouragement to all the families who live with this devastating condition every day.
"I know I speak for all our families in thanking Peter from the bottom of our hearts. He’s shown once again what a real star he is."
Peter shocked fans in December 2017 when he cancelled his 2018 Live Arena tour suddenly due to "family reasons".
A statement posted on his Twitter page explained: "Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I deeply regret that I am having to cancel all of my upcoming work projects.
"This unfortunately includes my upcoming stand-up tour, Dance for Life shows and any outstanding live work commitments.
"My sincerest apologies. This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first.
"I've always endeavoured to protect my family's privacy from the media.
"I hope that the media and the public will continue to respect our privacy at this time. Once again, I'm very sorry.
"Customers for Peter Kay's Live Arena Tour and Dance for Life shows will be refunded from their original point of purchase and any specific ticket queries should be directed to them.
"As Dance for Live is a charitable event in aid of Cancer Research UK, ticket holders may, if they wish, still donate to ."
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Peter had scheduled more than 100 shows around the country and supporters scrambled to snap up tickets.
He met his wife Susan Gargan in 1998 and the pair had a son Charlie Michael Kay.
It is reported that they have two other children, but they have been kept out of the spotlight.
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