Hearts & Minds welcome Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctors as they celebrate 25 years
Hearts & Minds is pleased to welcome top Scots comedian Chris Forbes as their new Ambassador for the Clowndoctors as they celebrate 25 years of delivering Clowndoctor visits.
Chris is an award-winning actor, writer, and comedian. Star of BBC’s Scot Squad and one of the most in demand comics in the UK, he is a regular panellist on Breaking the News and has achieved widespread popularity as The Other Murray Brother alongside Judy Murray.
Last year at the Pride of Scotland Awards, Chris, along with Janey Godley, presented the Clowndoctors with the TSB Community Award in recognition of the work they do in helping young people overcome difficulties and to face challenges with a smile,
Chris Forbes said: “In my time as a volunteer for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, I saw first-hand how much joy and happiness the Clowndoctors brought to children and families in their darkest moments.
“It’s such a precious gift and therefore I am so proud to be an ambassador for the Hearts & Minds charity.”
Sean Donnelly, CEO, Hearts & Minds commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Chris has agreed to join Hearts & Minds as our ambassador.
“Chris’s involvement will be a huge boost to our efforts as we deliver more Clowndoctor visits to offer support, playfulness and emotional support for children, young people, and families across Scotland.
“In 2024 Hearts & Minds celebrate a remarkable 25 years of the Clowndoctors. We are delighted to have Chris join us in this momentous year. We look forward to working together spreading light, laughter and joy when it is needed most.”
The Clowndoctors started delivering their visits to children at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital (now the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People) in 1999 and then to children in Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow.
The Clowndoctors are all professional performing artists and have trained in the art of clowning and use their skills to develop therapeutic clowning visits to help ease anxiety and stress of being in hospital.
The Clowndoctors still visit both hospitals in their new locations, and it was at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow that Chris Forbes saw the Clowndoctors work their magic.
Chris joins author and motivational speaker Gavin Oattes as an ambassador for the Clowndoctors and Phyllis Logan, ambassador for the Elderflowers, the charity’s dementia programme.
Thanks to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Edinburgh for use of the POD for our photographs with Chris Forbes and the Clowndoctors.