A FORMER Preston magician wants to make a mountain of cash appear to help two Fleetwood children whose father slashed their throats then killed himself.

Joe Riding is urging local landlords and club owners to let him perform and raise £1,000 for young Matthew, aged six, and four-year-old Jamie McKay who are recovering in Blackpool Victoria Hospital after the tragic event last week.

Joe has travelled the world doing stand-up shows to help him through his own personal tragedies - his son Simon, aged 27, died three years ago following a lifetime of illness after being born with whooping cough. Joe also lost his wife to cancer last April.

He said: "When Simon died, it was a massive blow and an unbearable time. Then my wife died and that hit me hard. I couldn't motivate myself. It's only now I'm starting to get back on my feet again."

The former Ribbleton man, who now lives in St Annes, has been spurred back into action by the shocking knife attack on February 3. He said: "Those kids have been through a traumatic time.

"It was a terrible thing to happen and they're never going to forget that. I'd like to give them a holiday or something special to help ease the pain."

Joe will use his mind-reading tricks and memory games to raise funds in Preston and Blackpool. He is also attempting to break the world record of memorising every card from a shuffled pack in 38 seconds.

To arrange a booking, contact Joe on 01253 721406.

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