I’ve always thought I was funny. My family have suggested some formal training.

When I told my 11-year-old son I was learning stand-up, his response was:

“Oh Mum, I laugh at you, but that’s ’cos I love you. Your impressions of Goofy and Cilla Black aren’t getting you through this.”

Lovely to have the backing of your nearest and dearest.

So I’m doing four weeks of comedy training before performing live in Liverpool to raise money for The Comedy Trust. An actual audience. An actual microphone. People who aren’t contractually obliged to love me.

I’m a leadership& strategy and midlife performance coach, a mum and a part-time taxi driver. Between Corporate life, Menopause and the conversations in my taxi, I’m certainly not short of material.

But there’s a proper reason behind this.

In our family, laughter has always helped us defuse arguments, bring us closer together and find a smile when we’re close to tears. Sometimes, one ridiculous moment gives everyone the breathing space they need.

That’s why The Comedy Trust’s work means something to me. They use comedy to help people build confidence, support their mental wellbeing and feel more connected. Those things matter deeply to me, both as a coach and as a human being.

If putting myself on stage helps more people experience that support and joy, I’m up for it.

Please donate what you can and share this page. Help me turn years of being laughed at into something that does some good.

And if I’m the only one laughing on the night, my usual hyena cackle should comfortably fill the room.