York man almost trebles fundraising target after offering help to Dara O Briain

A man from York who offered to help replace a lost toy for Dara O Briain on Twitter has more than doubled his fundraising target after the comedian shared his story on social media.

The comedian appealed for help after his child lost their "precious scruffy monkey" toy at Heathrow.

After initially joking with the comedian, Ian Wilson offered to send a replica of the toy which belonged to his young son.

When O Briain was reluctant to take him up on the offer, Ian asked instead that he help raise awareness of the fundraising he is doing for Bowel Cancer UK, after losing his wife Morag to the disease three months ago.

Since the comedian posted the message Ian has nearly trebled his fundraising target of £7,500 for his 10k run. Currently he has raised more than £20,000 for the charity.

He is also hoping to raise awareness of the charity Widowed and Young which he says has provided him with invaluable support since his wife's death.

You can watch Duncan and Gaynor's interview with Ian below: