Tickles and Davro put their best clown feet forward
Jokers take steps for kids’ charity
TWO clowns who dedicate their time to making sick children smile are to take on a 10K challenge with a difference – they’re tackling it in their giant shoes.
Tickles and Davro, also known as Celine Mall and Darren Spiers, are used to entertaining poorly youngsters at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.
Next month, they will take on the Oor Wullie’s BIG Walk while wearing their 14-inch comedy shoes to make sure kids undergoing hospital treatment continue to get the laughs they need through Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Celine, 48, who has spent thousands of hours entertaining young patients during a 20-year clowning career, said: “Every single visit for me is special.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be able to brighten up the days of so many young patients and their families and so humbling to hear from parents the difference a few minutes of play can make.
“It’s completely natural for kids to become anxious about their treatment.
“At times, they become nervous about being visited, but when they see me in my ridiculous clown shoes, they begin to laugh. We play, blow bubbles and have fun together, which makes that fear fade.”
Celine said her proudest moment was when she helped a young boy recovering from a serious condition learn how to swallow his food again through play.
She said: “Every single person who signs up and raises even a few pounds ensures that Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity can continue funding programmes and services to give children in hospital the extra-special care they really deserve.”
The charity’s annual sponsored walk is taking on a new route and name. Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail, will be held on Saturday, August 10.
Kirsten Sinclair, chief operating officer at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to anyone who gives their time to take part in our fundraising events and we applaud Tickles and Davro for going the extra mile to make children on the route smile.” ●To sponsor Celine and Darren, visit www.justgiving.com/Ticklestheclown ●To find out more about Oor Wullie’s BIG Walk – or to register to take part – go to www.glasgowchildrenshospital charity.org
We blow bubbles and have fun together CELINE MALL AKA TICKLES THE CLOWN