BAFTA Winner Brings Laughs to Charity Lunch at Carden Park

Chester-based charity Children Today Charitable Trust is inviting supporters to an uplifting charity lunch at the prestigious Carden Park Hotel on Friday 19th June to raise vital funds for children and young people living with disabilities.

Set in the stunning surroundings of Carden Park, Children Today’s Charity Lunch & Laugh promises an afternoon of great food and first-class entertainment. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and a performance from Dee Sign Choir, a Chester-based British Sign Language choir, before enjoying a sumptuous two-course lunch prepared by Carden Park’s acclaimed culinary team. 

The afternoon will be headlined by award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jack Carroll – best known as a Britain’s Got Talent finalist – whose sharp wit and infectious humour are sure to delight attendees.  

Jack has also more recently been a familiar face on our screens in Coronation Street starring as Bobby Crawford, made stand-up appearances on Live at the Apollo and is a graduate of the BBC Writersroom.

Jack Carroll commented:  

“I’m really looking forward to being part of Lunch & Laugh at Carden Park. Children Today does incredible work supporting young people with disabilities, and it’s a real privilege to help raise funds for such an important cause, while also bringing some laughs along the way,”

In 2024, Jack proudly accepted a BAFTA for his BBC sitcom pilot, Mobility, a comedy short about three disabled teenagers from Huddersfield who must catch the same mobility bus to school each day.  

Emma Prescott, Charity Director at Children Today, adds: 

“Our Lunch and Laugh event is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, enjoy a fantastic afternoon, and at the same time help transform the lives of children and young people with disabilities.  

“We look forward to sampling the delights of Carden Park’s esteemed chefs and we’re certain Jack’s dry wit and brilliant intellect will be sure to keep us entertained. But we mustn’t forget what it’s all about – raising vital funds to give disabled children and young people the opportunities and lifestyle they deserve.  

“On average, disabled households need an additional £1,067 a month to enjoy the same standard of living as a non-disabled household. With cuts to disability benefits and an ever-increasing rise in the day-to-day cost of living, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of families seeking our support. 

“We’re hoping to raise as much as possible with all funds raised going directly towards providing vital mobility and sensory equipment that can make an extraordinary difference to a child’s independence, confidence, and quality of life. So, come and enjoy a memorable afternoon of good food and warm wit while making a meaningful difference!”  

A charity raffle will also take place at the event, with prizes including a £300 Trailfinders voucher and afternoon tea for two at Carden Park to name just a few.  

Guests wishing to extend their stay can also take advantage of an exclusive 10 per cent discount on overnight accommodation at Carden Park on 19th June, subject to availability. 

Tickets are priced at £75 per person and include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a two-course lunch, live entertainment, and a goodie bag. Tables of 10 are available at a reduced rate of £700. 

To book tickets visit: 

https://www.childrentoday.org.uk/activities/lunch-laugh/  

All proceeds from the event will enable Children Today to provide life-changing mobility and sensory equipment – such as adapted trikes, powered wheelchairs and specialisyt buggies –  and services for disabled children and young people, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.  

About Children Today Charitable Trust: 

• Children Today Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 and helps provide disabled children and young adults (up to the age of 25) with support and specialised equipment such as individually adapted electric wheelchairs, walking aids, trikes, specially adapted car seats and more.  

• The charity receives no statutory funding form government or the NHS, instead relying entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and organisations. 

• The equipment and support provided by Children Today is often truly life-changing – leading to improved mental and physical health; better access to sport and exercise; reduced social isolation and better access to education and employment. 

Pictured - Jack Carroll.