We are delighted to support Aoife’s Clown Doctors again as our 2022 nominated tournament charity.
Aoife’s Clown Doctors are professional actors, trained to work in the hospital setting. They do the most amazing work visiting and entertaining vulnerable and sick children on the wards at Crumlin, Temple Street Hospitals, and now thanks to The Galway Masters and Specsavers in The Galway Shopping Center, University College Hospital Galway! These children are in unfamiliar environments surrounded by medical personnel. Aoife’s Clown Doctors transport them to a world of wonder and fun, if even for just a short time. This is not only beneficial for the children but also the stressed and anxious parents who get to see their child laughing.
Until recently Aoife’s Clown Doctors had been solely funded by ‘The Friends of Aoife Hendrick’ which was set up in memory of Aoife Hendrick. Aoife was in Crumlin hospital in the summer of 2012 after being diagnosed with Leukaemia. She absolutely loved the Clown Doctors and her parents were delighted to see her so happy during these special visits.
Aoife died aged 5 on August 30th 2012.
In 2013 the Clown Doctors lost their funding and were no longer visiting Crumlin Hospital. The Hendrick family and friends run an annual event to remember little Aoife and have managed to raise enough funds to allow twice weekly visits for the Clown Doctors in Crumlin Children’s Hospital ever since.
Aoife’s Clown Doctors Ireland have recently gained full charity status (20202941/CHY 22287) and have expanded to the Regional hospitals throughout Ireland and spread their madcap children’s comedy nationwide. We appreciate all the support people can offer to help us spread joy & laughter to the children in Ireland’s hospitals.
Please follow Aoife’s Clown Doctors Ireland on Facebook and also the Friends of Aoife Hendrick page.