Healing power that is truly magic
I was pleased to read about the Magic Therapy Project, initiated by Eamonn McClurey, a community health and learning disability nurse (Mail). This involves volunteer magicians teaching chronic mental health patients how to do tricks with coins, silk and playing cards — helping build confidence and improve motor skills and concentration — and I am delighted that the NHs is supportive of this scheme. It appears to be similar to the Healing of Magic, which was formed in the U.s. in the Eighties by award-winning illusionists Kevin and Cindy spencer. Kevin was involved in a near-fatal car accident and suffered head and lower spinal cord injuries. For several months he had physical and occupational therapy, and was worried that he might never again perform magic. He realised how challenging it is for a person to stay motivated during longterm rehabilitation. This inspired Kevin, on his recovery, together with his wife Cindy, to form the Healing of Magic programme in 1984. such was the interest, by the end of 1986, they had received more than 3,500 requests from occupational therapists throughout the U.s. and many other countries as well. I, too am a magician. I’ll be 80 this November, and magic still gives me a buzz and a desire to learn more. In april 2014, I offered my magical services to assist stroke patients with their rehabilitation programmes at a hospital in south Devon. I was only required to perform magic shows and not the therapy magic which would have been more beneficial, I felt, for the patients. My best wishes to the Esk and wear Valley Trust for recognising the power of magic to heal.
Tony Everest, Dawlish, Devon.