Comedians rally to their colleage after dementia diagnosis

A fundraising gig has been organised in celebration of Junior Simpson, after he was forced to retire from comedy because of dementia.

Famous names including Jason Manford,  Milton Jones,  Rich Hall and Chris McCausland are taking part in the gig at the Comedy Store on the afternoon of Sunday May 31.

It comes after comedy colleagues rushed to his support, with more than £27,000 raised via crowdfunding after news of his diagnosis broke. 

The 62-year-old has a vascular form of dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, after he suffered a number of strokes. Cash raised will help cover his long-term care.

The Comedy Store gig was put together by Simpson’s wife Emma and comic Adam Bloom, who will also be appearing.

Emma told Chortle: ‘I'm overwhelmed by the response from the comedy circuit. the love they have for Junior is quite special.

‘I'm hugely grateful to everyone who is giving their time and talent, especially Adam Bloom who has helped make this happen. It's going to be an emotional but glorious afternoon for Junior.’ 

Also on the bill will be Matt Richardson, Quincy, Ninia Benjamin, Clinton Baptiste and Kate Smurthwaite. Tickets are available here, priced £32.75 each. 

Simpson, a decades-long veteran of the comedy circuit, has credits including trailblazing 1990s sketch show The Real McCoy, They Think It's All OverNever Mind The Buzzcocks and The 11 O'Clock Show. He has also been an actor including playing a wedding DJ in Love Actually.

Vascular dementia affects around 180,000 people in the UK, according to the NHS.  There's currently no cure and no way to reverse any loss of brain cells that happened before the condition was diagnosed. But treatment can sometimes help slow it down.

Published: 16 Mar 2026