A CHARITY set up in memory of a Windermere man has received a boost from a famous actor and comedian.

Danny's Healing Fields (DHF) was set up by the family of Danny Evans, 28, who died last year after inhaling gastric content in his sleep.

To support DHF in reaching the £5,000 required to register with the Charity Commission, BAFTA-winning comedian Steve Coogan sat down to dinner with one lucky couple after a charity auction.

The I'm Alan Partridge star was joined by John and Kate Amens, from near Chester, at the luxurious Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel after the couple pledged £800 to the charity to win the auction.

Mr Evans, a much-loved musician and gardener, had wanted to set up a support network of his own for people with mental health issues. After his death, his family pledged to do it in his memory.

Mr Coogan said the opportunity to support DHF was something he could not turn down.

"He died in very tragic circumstances and his family are setting this up to provide activities for people with mental health issues," said Mr Coogan, 50.

"They want to do something about mental health and they're showing initiative – how can you say no?"

Mr Evans' mother, Lou, said the donation from the auction had gone a long way to securing DHF's charity status, and they are now seeking a location close to Windermere to get it underway.

She believes it is vital that south Cumbria has such a facility in place with the impending closure of the Kentmere ward at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital.

"We've done a lot of research into how it's going to help the area, especially with Ward 4 closing," she said.

"It's going to be really useful because it will support people with depression, bereavement, addiction and everything else.

"We have lots of volunteers in place, everything is in order, we just need that piece of land with a building and we're ready."