LISTENERS of kmfm dug deep into their pockets for 24 hours to raise nearly £15,000 for a local charity that helps families with children who have serious illnesses.

The marathon 24 Hours of Laughter in aid of comedian Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays was broadcast from midday on Friday and featured some of the biggest names in comedy from the last 30 years.

The impressive list included Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale, and Frank Carson while Bradley Walsh and Shane Ritchie rang from the sets of Coronation Street and EastEnders respectively.

All through the mammoth show, hosted by Tony Dibbin and Dave, listeners had the opportunity to bid for items that money just can’t buy.

Kent’s double Olympic Gold winner, Kelly Holmes, rang from her training camp in South Africa to donate a Great Britain running vest – which she will sign to the person who paid the most money.

Happy Holidays is one of Kent’s most successful charities, and over the last 10 years it has raised nearly £1,500,000 to send 8,000 children and their families on holiday.

Penny Williams, kmfm’s head of radio, said: “I’ve known Dave Lee for many years and have immense respect for the work he does. Dave has such an enormous heart and dedicates so much time, he’s an amazing human being, reaching out to help so many people who need support.

“I have also got to say a massive thank-you to the team behind the marathon show. It really set the precedent for radio fund-raising in the future”

Dave said: “I’d like to thank kmfm for letting me take over their airwaves for 24 hours. Personally I think it was the most remarkable and original piece of broadcasting I’ve ever heard, and being part of it was just quite incredible.

“All this money raised will go to help send sick kids from disadvantaged families on a well deserved holiday of a lifetime.”

The amount raised is £14,595 with money still coming in.