A ‘stand-up-sit-down’ comedian from Melbourn has raised cash towards his own new wheelchair, by organising comedy nights in Cambridge.

Royston Crow: Jamie Green performing at a comedy night.Jamie Green performing at a comedy night. (Image: Archant)

Jamie Green, who is a third-year criminology student at Anglia Ruskin University, has cerebral palsy – meaning he cannot stand or walk and began using a wheelchair aged three.

The 27-year-old told the Crow: “I have always had a different perspective on life because of my disability.

“I saw an advert on Facebook for a comedy gig six years ago and went along, I hadn’t been writing material as such, but had noted little things down.

“It was scary and I was nervous, but nerves are a good thing, because if you have them it means you care about what you’re doing – I still get nervous now.”

Jamie works his disability into his show, and jokes in his set include: “The wonderful thing about sitting down all day is that I’m always ready for bad news.”

He began his own Wise Crack Comedy nights at The Tram Depot pub, and held fundraisers there – and at The Black Horse in Melbourn and The Plough in Shepreth – to drum up £6,000 when he needed new wheelchair, costing £18,000 in total.

The former Melbourn Village College student said: “The shows have had a good response, and it would always be nice to get a few more people along regularly.

“I’m quite self-deprecating, and like to take the mickey out of myself when I’m on stage.

“My new wheelchair has made such a difference for me. It has given me a new lease of life, more confidence, and I can sit up straight and look people in the eye now. I also use it to drive as I have an adapted mobility vehicle.”

When he’s not involved in the Cambridge comedy scene, or studying, Jamie spends his time as a football referee for those with disabilities, but hopes he can make a career out of comedy.

He said: “I look at the positives in that, I may not be able to walk, but I know that I certainly wouldn’t be a comedian without my disability.

“I want to carry on doing the comedy, either promoting or performing, and I’d like to do more gigs in Royston and the local area.

“I wouldn’t say I’m the funniest person in Melbourn, but Melbourn is a lot quieter than Cambridge – so maybe there’s a chance.”

The rest of the cash for his chair was funded by charities and organisations.

One of which was Action For Kids, who are supported by umbrella charity Path to Success.

Path to Success was founded by Anita Choudhrie in 2006, and provides financial support to different causes, with a focus on disability, homelessness and education in both the UK and India.

Mrs Choudrie said: “We are very excited to continue to provide support to those who most need it in society. We look forward to helping more individuals like Jamie live with independence, and to turn their inability into ability.”

He also received support from Wheels for Martin’s Friends, Barchester Foundation, Royston Ladies Circle and Johnson Matthey, as well as contributions from family. For more on Jamie’s comedy nights go to facebook.com/WiseCrackComedyUK.