Giggle Doctor visits for children in hospital

Theodora Children's Charity helps children living with illness, disability and serious health challenges to feel better using the proven power of laughter. Our vision is to contribute to the wellbeing of children in the 22 hospitals and specialist care centres we visit across England. 

By combining music, play, magic and storytelling our 26 Giggle Doctors bring joy and laughter to brave children in challenging times. During their visits our Giggle Doctors aim to, reduce stress and anxiety, increase opportunities for play and improve children’s wellbeing.

How your support helps children in hospital

So far this year our Giggle Doctors have been able to visit over 2,500 children all over the country since returning visit children in hospitals, despite ongoing restrictions. We have been able to resume in person visits to 9 of our partners, with 2 additional partners inviting us back.

We have had parents get in touch to share lovely stories and photos of when their children met the Giggle Doctors.

“Eleanor was just 3 and a half when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour called a Low Grade Hypothalamic Glioma in 2015. On 22^nd April that year, she met Dr Geehee and Dr YoHo at The Royal Marsden. Her dad Tim describes the breath of fresh air they brought when they arrived: “It was our first encounter with the Giggle Doctors and one which we hold fond memories of. In fact, seeing our daughter laugh in hospital for the first time since being diagnosed brought tears of joy to our eyes.”
 
Due to her condition, Eleanor has almost no vision at all. “Dr Dotty and Dr Geehee went out of their way to understand that our daughter Eleanor could not see all their colourful costumes, decorations and pranks, instead they opted to tell her jokes, make funny noises and introduce nice smells. A huge distraction for a 4-year-old going through some pretty horrendous times,” shares Tim. 
 
After more than 7 years of treatment, Eleanor continues to spend time in hospital regularly. Tim says they still make a beeline for the Giggle Doctors whenever they’re in the hospital, and she says they make her feel “excited, happy and ready to have a good laugh. They always make my time at hospital very enjoyable. I’m 11 now and I don’t think they’ll ever stop making me laugh!"

Our Impact

Children with a serious illness, a longterm health condition or disability often have to endure numerous, lengthy hospital stays. The procedures they go through are often painful or uncomfortable, causing a great deal of stress and anxiety, and this means they miss out on vital opportunities for play and fun. Our specially trained Giggle Doctors help these children, bringing play, music, magic, laughter and imagination to them wherever they are.

"Having the Giggle Doctor visits back on the ward has felt like much needed normality. The visits have really made a difference and brought lots of smiles to lots of faces. We really appreciate their input and expertise and the calming impact their presence helps to create as well as a much needed distraction." - Beth, Play Assistant at North Manchester General Hospital

Thank you

We were so grateful to have your support and as you can see, it has made a big difference. As a small charity we have seen our income impacted in the last few years, meaning now more than ever we are relying on the generosity of our supporters to help us to continue bringing magical moments to children and their families at a time when they need it most.

Thank you for your continued support.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to email enquiries@theodora.org

Links:

• New Giggle Doctor website
• Sign up to our monthly e-news