JERRY LEWIS - LEWIS TELETHON BREAKS RECORD

LEWIS TELETHON BREAKS RECORD

Veteran funnyman JERRY LEWIS' 41st annual Labour Day holiday telethon has raised a record $61 million (GBP33.9 million) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Contributions sent in during the mammoth event in Las Vegas beat last year's (05) $55 million (GBP25 million), which helped raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina effort. Lewis, 80, was determined to host the extravaganza even though he is still recovering from the heart attack he suffered in June (06). The KING OF COMEDY star has never missed a telethon despite escalating health problems over the years including back pain, painkiller addiction and an inflammatory lung condition.