Today I was working for the POD Charity up Woodcock ward in Derriford hospital doing walkabout magic / balloons for the kiddies on the kids ward. There was a young 7 year old boy called Jake. I started by showing Jake a trick, which he really enjoyed and started to make him an Alien.  he informed me his Dad can do Magic. I asked Jake What Magic does his Dad do, "He can put a slice of bread behind his back and make it disappear" "Wow I don't believe it" I said, "Your Dad can do the vanishing slice of bread trick?" I then went on to say that there are only 3 people in the whole world who can do that trick, even I can't do it, and made a huge thing about his Dad being one of the 3. Jakes smile got bigger and bigger, and you could see him about to explode with pride for his amazing Dad.
 
Jake then said, "He can make it come back as well", I hammed it up big time, "You're kidding me" I said, "Only 2 people in the world can actually bring it back, I knew one was David Copperfield, but Wow your Dad must be the other one. Jakes day, year, decade melenium was complete, his dad was on the highest pedistal in the world. Jakes Mum who was threre had a smile so big I though her head was going to split in two, if I don't get his next birthday there's something wrong.
 
the kicker came when Dad returned from the loo, he hadn't heard what had been said and the look on his face when I continued to grossly overact and insist on shaking the hand of one of the few people who can do the vanishing bread trick. I could explain what was happening because Jake was there no doubt Mum would fill in the gaps for Dad later.

Nice one Emazdad- it's amazing how a simple piece of kidology can make a huuuuuge difference - putting smiles on peoples faces is rewarding - putting even bigger smiles on the faces of kids in Jakes position has to be the best.

Ian

That's a great story  Who can't possibly have a smile on there face after reading that.

What a way to make a lad smile, brilliant  

For those that don't know what POD is, go to http://www.podcharity.org.uk.

In brief companies donate money to POD to sponsor entertainers to visit children in hospital, the going rate is a donation £600 which will pay for an entertainer to visit once a month for a year.

£50 for an hour is way below my normal fee, but the rest of my payment is in smiles like those above and by birthday Parties I get from families who have seen me there.

Usually I'm there much longer than the hour,  as I don't leave until I've done all the kids on the ward. Although I'm booked for a set date and time, I liasion with the playleader on the ward and go up when there's going to be the most kids. POD doesn't mind as long as I go.

Before someone asks why don't I go up for free, Well POD insist on paying you, they're more than happy that you're willing to go up for the reduced fee.

I do go up occassionally of my own accord. Sometimes when I have an appointment with the specialist I contact the playleader on the ward and arrange a visit. I'd rather spend an hour with the kids on the ward before my appointment and get free parking than pay the extortionate fees they charge to park.

If there's a hospital near you, why not contact POD, they're always on the lookout for good Entertainers who are willing to do it.

One bonus is that if you get a real paying job come in POD doesn't expect you to lose money, and are quite happy for you to re-schedule the visit.

Are there any of you here who already work for POD?