The serious side of clowning

Alison MacKinnon's brother is one of a small number of dedicated hospital clowns around the world. He works in the children's cancer ward in a hospital in Denmark.

Over the course of 2 years, a film-maker documented the relationship between the clown "Angus", and a small child on the cancer ward. It was one of the most moving things I've ever seen. The innocent children with painful treatments who don't know any different.

And whilst they're tiny and fragile they display something in their souls that far outshines all of us. Because unless we've been there - none of us can possibly have a clue. The relationship between Tobias and his tiny little friend Lena - it's more than friendship. Just like the clown is far more than a clown.  He is an integral part of the care team, befriending the children, lightening the mood. He said, "when children are anxious and frightened their parents mirror this, it's natural. I bring something else to the room for the parents to model."
He also talked about giving Tobias back some choice, and some power. And I wonder whether Tobias would have survived without his special friend.
What amazing work. It humbles me. Last heard, the film was touring documentary film-festivals. In Danish with English sub-titles I really hope it gets mainstream airtime - this film needs to be seen.