Romesh Ranganathan has offered up-and-coming comedian and cancer survivor Aiden Cowie the chance to open a show for him

It came after Cowie told Ranganathan how he used humour to cope with the trauma of being diagnosed with a rare cancer that only gave him a 1 in 20 chance of survival, and which cost him an eye, cheekbone, teeth, and part of his jaw.

 Despite struggling with his changed appearance, he decided to try stand-up for the first time after his treatment was completed and is now a regular on the comedy circuit in his home city of Aberdeen.   

Cowie, 26, explains: ‘The tumour in my face was the size of a man’s fist. It was wrapped round the nerves on my right eye, and I needed 32 hours of surgery over seven days.   

‘A lot of what got me through the surgery, then radiotherapy and chemo was cracking jokes and having a laugh about everything. It was my way of coping.  

‘Stand-up was always something I wanted to do but never had the guts to do. But I thought, if I can come through all that, I can do anything.’

A film of him meeting with  Ranganathan has been released today by the Teenage Cancer Trust, with the more senior comic saying: ‘You’ve been through one of the most difficult things that anyone can go through. What has comedy got to be afraid of? Nothing, right?" 

Ranganathan – a long-term supporter of the charity – then invites Cowie to open a show for him, saying: ‘I’m going to make this offer to you... I’m about to start doing work in progress shows, I’d love you to come and open for me. If you want to come and do a couple of dates, it’d be a cool thing to just do a gig together.’

Needless to say Cowie accepts the offer enthusiastically. 

He said: ‘Meeting Romesh was everything I hoped it would be. He’s been my hero for years and it was so surreal to get to chat to him and tell him about my experience. I never expected that he would invite me to open for him at a comedy gig, I was so blown away and overwhelmed.’

Ranganathan added: ‘It was so great to meet Aiden, he’s such a top lad and it’s amazing to see him doing so well with his comedy. It’ll be an honour if he opens a show for me and I can’t wait to see where his career takes him. 

‘I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the charity’s specialist units, and to hear once more about the support they offer to young people, like Aiden, reminds you of how valuable their services are. The support really is life-changing.’

Cowie’s story was also featured in the Teenage Cancer Trust comedy gig at the Royal Albert Hall last month, where the audience was shown this film. In it, Cowie and his mum Denise describe the devastating impact of Aiden’s diagnosis and how support from Teenage Cancer Trust helped them cope.  

Cowie said: ‘My specialist nurses Amanda and Dianne helped me so much, I don’t know what  I would’ve done without them.  

‘After my surgery they went above-and-beyond to make sure things were as easy as possible for me. 

‘No ask was too big. There was always something they could do to help me. Without Amanda and Dianne, there’s no way I would be where I am now.’

Ranganathan  is running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of the  Teenage Cancer Trust and is aiming to raise £115,000 for them.

Pascale Harvie, general manager of fundraising platform JustGiving, said: 'Romesh’s dedication to supporting Teenage Cancer Trust is truly commendable. Not only is he taking on the physical challenge of running the London Marathon for the second consecutive year, he is also using his massive platform to raise vital awareness and funds. We wish Romesh the very best of luck at this year’s race.'

And Kate Collins, chief executive at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: 'Today, and every day, seven young people in the UK aged 13-24 will hear the words "you have cancer".  It’s thanks to supporters like Romesh, and the 350 others running the London Marathon in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, that we can continue to be there for every young person who needs us." 

To donate to Ranganathan's appeal, visit JustGiving.