One of the UK’s top comedians will perform at a glitzy event in Aberdeen later this year to raise funds for leading Scottish social care charity, Cornerstone.

Francesca Martinez, a comedian, writer and actress with cerebral palsy, will headline the charity’s annual fundraising dinner on April 27 2017 at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, entertaining the crowds with her quick-wit while discussing her own experiences of growing up as a child with a disability.

This year’s event will raise funds for Cornerstone’s Children and Young People’s services which support more than 550 families and individuals across Scotland.

Francesca, who prefers to refer to herself as “wobbly” rather than being labelled with a disability, has previously appeared in Ricky Gervais’s Extras and Grange Hill as well as on prime time with sets on the BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Russell Howard’s Good News.

She said: “I’m really excited to be speaking at this year’s annual dinner to help celebrate the great work that Cornerstone does.”

Further entertainment for the flagship fundraising event is to be announced in due course and Cornerstone is actively seeking donations of raffle prizes and auction items to try raise as much money as possible.

Edel Harris, Chief Executive of Cornerstone, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Francesca to our annual fundraising dinner and look forward to hearing her inspirational story, which I am sure will ring true with many of the families supported by our Children and Young People’s services across the country, some of whom will be attending the event as guests of Cornerstone.

“Although the economic environment in Aberdeen remains challenging, we are delighted at the number of tables already sold and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up  to enable us to help the people we support to lead a valued life – the life they choose.”

A limited number of tickets for the Cornerstone Annual Dinner are still available costing £110 with tables of 10 costing £1,000 – for more information or to donate a raffle prize or auction item contact Louise Mackay by email at louise.mackay@cornerstone.org.uk or call 01224 256000.

Cornerstone provides care and support services for adults, young people and children across Scotland with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other support needs.

Since 1980, Cornerstone has grown to support more than 2,200 people each year, delivering services within 18 local authority areas across Scotland. More information on Cornerstone can be found by visiting www.cornerstone.org.uk