I had no idea these children would bring me so much joy and teach me so many important life lessons

“I started a part time job as a clown doctor to supplement an acting career six years ago. Initially, I was terrified to witness sick children – especially in the oncology ward as my Dad had died of cancer. I never thought it would take just days for me to absolutely fall in love with it, and I had no idea these children would bring me so much joy and teach me so many important life lessons. I’ve seen some extraordinary, inspirational children who endure their illnesses with great courage, and Aoife was one of them.
We visited her regularly, and her mum and dad were so grateful every time they got to hear her laugh when we told her our dodgy jokes. She remembered every moment of our routine from week to week and beamed with excitement when we came on the ward.
Unfortunately Aoife passed away in 2012, and her parents are now funding our programme. We are establishing a charity called ‘Aoife’s Clown Doctors’ in her memory so that we can continue to bring joy to other children who are suffering. We are regularly told, ‘He’s been waiting for you all day’, or ‘That’s the first time she has smiled in two weeks’ and ‘Thank you, it’s great to see him laughing’… We get so much heart-warming feedback about the program that it makes every moment feel important, and sure that we are making a difference for these little warriors in hospitals.”