By Ellen Blessington | Communications Manager and Senior Fundraiser
Hello!
It is thanks to kind supporters like you that we have been able to support children in hospital for the last 31 years and can continue to reduce stress and anxiety, improve their experience of hospital and bring vital opportunities for play.
The children we support often must travel between their local hospital and larger specialist children’s hospitals for ongoing treatment. Families have shared how comforting it is to see the recognisable, joyful presence of the Giggle Doctors in another hospital.
When 14-year-old Scarlet was staying in Rotherham Hospital she met Dr Scribble and Dr Nic Nac for the first time. Her mum, Diane, shared: “Scarlet had been in hospital for three days and it had been a really emotional time. Just 20 minutes before the Giggle Doctors came to see us, we were both in tears and Scarlet was really fed up. I cannot explain how much the Giggle Doctors visit made a difference; we went from sadness to laughter in the space of half an hour!
A few weeks later, Scarlet was at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and was about to go into theatre for a procedure. Not only did she spot the Giggle Doctors, but it was the familiar face of Dr Nic Nac!
Click here to read Scarlet’s story
Celebrating 20 years of giggles in Sheffield
On the 15th of October during Play in Healthcare Week, the Giggle Doctors had the best time celebrating two decades of visits at Sheffield Children's Hospital and creating lasting memories with families, create vital opportunities for play and to support children's wellbeing.
Our Programme Team organised arts and crafts for children to enjoy, whilst Dr Flowerpot, Dr Fancy Pants, Dr Nic Nac, Dr Cowpat and Dr Scribble shared their joy and silliness across the wards, singing songs, giving gifts to staff and playing with families throughout the hospital.
How the Giggle Doctors helped Jensen
Many of the children and families the Giggle Doctors must spend long periods of time in hospital for treatment or procedures. During those weeks, months and even years, they have been able to get to know, connect with and create special memories with the Giggle Doctors. Terri recently shared how her family and her son Jensen have got to know the Giggle Doctors over the last few months:
"My son is currently in hospital and will be for a long time, he is having chemotherapy and then will have a stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. The photo below where Jensen is wearing a red top was the first time we met Dr Geehee and she was amazing, I honestly can’t praise her enough, she was just fantastic for putting a smile on our faces."
"Yesterday we got to see Dr Geehee again with Dr Dilly Dally and they were honestly fantastic! It makes such a massive impact on our lives to just laugh and enjoy life for a few minutes considering we are going through such a difficult time. Thank you to your amazing charity, it helps in so many different ways for Jensen but also for us as parents."
Thank you
We are so grateful to have your support and as you can see, it makes a huge difference for children like Scarlet and Jensen. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to email enquiries@theodora.org or follow us on social media @GiveAGiggle.
If you would like to help the Giggle Doctors visit more children in hospital, donating £15 can help pay for a child to receive a visit, bringing joy and connection when they need it most.
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