Clowning around Japan - Patch Adams Clown Project

In 2018, I went to Morocco on a humanitarian clowning trip with Patch Adams. We visited orphanages, refuge centres, schools and hospitals as a troupe of clowns. The goal? To make connections with the local communities and bring much-needed laughter and joy! It was the trip of a lifetime, and it had a huge positive impact on my hospital work back in the UK.

The opportunity has come up to do a similar trip in Japan in 2026. We’d spend seven days in Tokyo, Osaka and Nara clowning in a variety of settings where it can really do a lot of good.

As well as a Wizard, I work as a trained Giggle Doctor for Theodora Children's Charity in hospitals including Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Sheffield and Great Ormond Street. Whilst Giggle Doctors don't wear red noses, the emphasis is on fun, silliness and play - and in bringing laughter and positive memories to families going through challenging times.

I'm fascinated by how different cultures and societies respond to clowning, and I enjoy the personal challenge of having to use skills such as slapstick, mime and physical comedy in non-English speaking countries. I saw first-hand in Morocco just how powerful clowning was, and the memories of the trip have stayed with me ever since.

Japan is somewhere I've always wanted to go, although it certainly won't be a holiday. Patch Adams' clown projects see participants from all over the world clowning all day every day across a diverse range of environments. It can be tiring and emotional, but also incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.

I firmly believe that the world needs more fun and laughter, and I would welcome the opportunity to learn new skills, and broaden my play horizons in an entirely new country.

The funds will go towards the cost of the trip, flights, accommodation, food, costume, props and small gifts and giveaways I can use whilst out there. Anything you can spare would be very greatly appreciated.

If I don't raise enough, funds will be used for a similar trip closer to home - or split as donations between Theodora Children's Charity and the Patch Adams Gesundheit Institute.

Thank you, and stay silly!

"You're only given a little spark of madness, you mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams