Peter Kay reveals extra gig for teen's heart treatment

Peter Kay is to perform a one-off show in Blackpool next month to raise funds for a teenager's vital heart operation.

Fin Cormack, from Prenton, Merseyside, has a rare condition called Ebstein's anomaly and has had several major heart surgeries, with his first when he was just 11 days old.

Now 19, his family are trying to pay for treatment for him in the United States and the Bolton comedian said he was inspired to do the special show at the Opera House in Blackpool's Winter Gardens on 27 September after seeing his story on the news.

Fin's mum said the family were "bowled over" by the star's incredible gesture.

Ebstein's anomaly is an abnormality of the tricuspid valve that you were born with, according to the NHS.

The family said they were trying to raise £200,000 for treatment from a leading expert on the condition, Dr Dearani, at the Mayo Clinic in the USA, "to give Fin something he's never really had: the chance at a fuller, easier life".

Kay said: "I saw a news report about the situation with Fin and his family, and I felt as if I had to do something to try and help them raise the funds.

"I hope people will support this really important event to help Fin receive the vital surgery he needs."

Fin's mum, Clare Cormack, said: "We were bowled over when Peter called and told us that he wanted to support Fin.

"What an amazing guy that he's taken the time to do this - it's completely unreal.

"We are still pinching ourselves."

The Phoenix Nights star is known for his fundraising.

He said he was donating all the profits from this year's Better Late Than Never stand-up tour to 12 cancer charities.

He also made his return to stage after four years to raise funds for the late cancer campaigner Laura Nuttall, from Barrowford, Lancashire, in 2021.

Kay, who had worked with Nuttall's father, raised money for her treatment for brain cancer.

Nuttall was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2018 and was given an initial prognosis of 12 months but ticked off a bucket list of ambitions before she died in 2023.

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