A Second Chance, A New Purpose: Russ Lee’s Journey from Brain Haemorrhage to Making People Laugh
Life can change in an instant.
On Christmas Day 2024, comedian Russ Lee woke with what he describes as the worst headache of his life. Assuming it was nothing more than the effects of a festive night with friends, he carried on preparing Christmas dinner for 16 people. As the day went on, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he was rushed to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a brain haemorrhage.
After eight days in hospital and weeks recovering at home, Russ was told something that changed his outlook forever – many people do not survive the type of brain haemorrhage he had.
Rather than focusing on what he had lost, Russ focused on what he had been given: a second chance.
When his wife Ruth asked what he wanted to do with his life, his answer surprised even himself.
“I’m going to have a go at stand-up comedy.”
Within months, Russ stepped onto a comedy stage for the very first time. Although he had always enjoyed making people laugh, he had never imagined performing professionally. Since then, he has thrown himself into comedy, performing hundreds of gigs across the country, learning his craft and proving that it is never too late to pursue something that truly matters.
More recently, Russ has faced another challenge after being diagnosed with skin cancer. Yet even then, his trademark humour has remained. His positivity is a reminder that laughter doesn’t remove life’s difficulties, but it can help us face them with strength and perspective.
Comedy with a Purpose
Russ’s journey has now become part of something much bigger.
Over the past six weeks, he has been mentoring ten incredible volunteers through an intensive stand-up comedy course in support of Summits Up. On 24 July, they will each take to the stage to perform their own five-minute comedy set, raising vital funds for mental health therapy and suicide prevention.
For many of those taking part, standing on stage is one of the biggest challenges they have ever faced. Like our hikes and fundraising challenges, the comedy course is about pushing beyond comfort zones, building confidence and showing that growth often begins where fear ends.
Living Life Without Waiting
Russ’s story reminds us that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Whether it’s taking on a challenge, learning a new skill, spending time with loved ones or asking for help when life feels overwhelming, there is no better time than now.
At Summits Up, we believe in bringing people together through shared experiences, creating communities where conversations happen naturally and ensuring that anyone struggling can access professional mental health support when they need it most.
We are incredibly grateful to Russ for giving his time, energy and talent to support our charity and inspire others to believe in themselves.
Sometimes the biggest laughs come after life’s hardest moments.
And sometimes a second chance becomes the beginning of something extraordinary.
