I’m walking the Glasgow Kiltwalk 14 mile 'Big Stroll' with a group of friends, to raise funds for Hearts & Minds, home of the Clowndoctors and Elderflowers.

This amazing group of healthcare clowns work across hospitals, ASN schools, care homes and hospices to boost the care of patients and pupils, families and staff,

The Clowndoctors shine a ray of light in a dark time.

With the addition of specialist healthcare clowns children in hospital recover more quickly and get home quicker. The Clowndoctors lower anxiety and remove fear - reducing the need for medical intervention. Those they attend engage more with carers, and people with dementia find relief from distress. They are particularly good at reaching people who have strong barriers to communication. Everyone who engages with the Clowndoctors is left feeling uplifted, valued and listened to.

This service both improves outcomes and directly improves quality of life.

They haven't laughed like that in weeks.

Almost everyone assumes the Clowndoctors are publicly funded. But they're not. They rely entirely on donations - fundraisers like this, individual and corporate giving, businesses, and other charitable trusts.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.

Please support your Clowndoctors. The world is a better place with this service in it and your funding will make a difference.

You never know when someone you love might need them.