Rik Mayall’s funeral will be a ‘private family’ event says his wife

The comedian’s funeral will take place later this week

(Rex Features)

Rik Mayall’s funeral will take place on Thursday 19 June and will be a “private family” event.

The comedian’s widow, Barbara Robbin, asked fans for their “thoughts and prayers”.

“We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time,” she said.

“Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength.”

Mayall died on 9 June, aged 56, following an “acute cardiac event” at his home in south-west London after a morning run. A post-mortem proved inconclusive.

In 1998, the Blackadder and The Young Ones actor was left in a coma for several days after a serious quad bike accident. He recovered, but was left with epilepsy – for which he took daily medication.

He is survived by his wife – whom he married in 1985 – and their three children, Rosie, Sid, Bonnie.

Fans took to Facebook to campaign for Mayall to have a state funeral. Over 1,500 signed the petition, which was addressed to David Cameron.

The Facebook page attracted 8,650 likes since its inception on 9 June.