The Half Crown, on the High Street in Benfleet, is hosting a Comedy Night on Friday 2nd August, to raise money for its regular customer, David Briffaut, who recently suffered a tragic accident. Kicking off at 8pm, the event will feature local stand-up comedian and DJ, Jason Simmons.

 

David suffered catastrophic injuries to his spinal cord when coming down a waterslide in Aqualandia Waterpark, near Benidorm, earlier this month. He is currently on life support in Alicante Hospital, where he has undergone surgery. It is hoped he will be stable enough to fly home to the UK by Air Ambulance at the end of the week.

 

David’s injuries are so severe, he will need life-long care. To help him on the road to recovery, family friend, Amy Llambias, set up a Just Giving page to raise money for David and his family, which has already surpassed its original target of £75,000.

 

Struck by the tragedy that hit someone they considered a friend, General Manager of the Half Crown, Teresa Masic and her team, were determined to do their bit too. They hope that they can contribute significantly to David’s fund by hosting the Comedy Night and through ticket sales for a raffle they have organised. Prizes have been generously donated by local businesses and so far include, tickets to see Loose Women live and an exclusive tour of Brentwood Brewery.

 

Teresa said: “It is always a huge shock when someone close to you is so badly injured. I cannot imagine what he and his family are going through – but we are all thinking about them. David’s family members in the area will be coming along to the event, so I’m pleased that we can extend our well wishes and that they can see first-hand the love and support the Benfleet community has for David.

 

“Local businesses have been incredibly generous in donating to the raffle, so I want to thank everyone who contributed. New and exciting prizes are coming in every day and I’m sure all our customers will be happy to get involved. I hope we can help to get David the support he needs – both as a pub and as a community.”

 

To donate to David Briffaut’s fund, please visit his Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davidbriffaut

 

Half Crown, 25-27 High Street, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1NA