“Magic Medic” brings joy and laughter to kids in hospital

Children’s charity MedEquip4Kids was delighted to receive a grant of £10,000 last year from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, allowing them to bring joy and laughter to children in hospital.

Based in Manchester, MedEquip4Kids improves children’s health by providing equipment and facilities not available from limited NHS resources. The funding from Postcode Community Trust, which is funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, has enabled “Magic Medic” Louby Lou to visit children receiving treatment at Stepping Hill Hospital, Royal Bolton Hospital and Macclesfield General Hospital for a period of twelve months.

Being in hospital can be distressing, frightening and boring for children. Louby Lou entertains sick children with an immersive, colourful and vibrant clown show, performing magic tricks and getting kids singing along to popular songs. This distracts them from their treatment and helps cheer them up. Reducing their stress and anxiety can make a real difference to the speed of their recovery.

On a recent visit to Macclesfield General Hospital, Louby Lou met two-year-old Molly, who was feeling very poorly. Molly’s mum says: “Molly really enjoyed her time with Louby Lou. They have met twice now and both times Louby has definitely cheered Molly up and actively contributed to a quicker recovery. Please pass on our thanks with a big hug from Molly.”

Each three-hour visit benefits up to around 40 kids. Laura Gasson, a play specialist at Royal Bolton, says: “It brightens the day of poorly children and breaks up their treatment plans and medication.”

MedEquip4Kids Project Co-ordinator Evelyn Glarvey says: “We love to watch Louby Lou work her magic to bring a smile to children’s faces. We’re so grateful for the generous support of Postcode Community Trust, which has made these visits possible.”

To find out more about MedEquip4Kids, visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk

To find out about Louby Lou, visit www.loubylou.co.uk