Laughing child in hospital
Laughter is…
Laughing child with balloon model
…the best medicine!

Out of a Pod come seeds – the seeds of magic, fun and laughter.

Pod makes smiles in hospitals and hospices throughout the U.K.

Pod has entertained over one million children in hospital
Children laughing at a Pod show
1 · About

Pod is called Pod because out of a pod come seeds – the seeds of magic, fun and feeling better!

Pod Children's Charity is a nationwide charity which provides live entertainment for children and young people in hospital. Pod aims to make the hospital journey, whether it is only a short one or a longer one, more pleasant for children and young people, and one remembered (at least partly) with a smile.

Pod alleviates the trauma of a hospital stay by encouraging children and young people to join in the fun, distracting them from pain and worry and allowing access to the stimulation they often need when unwell.

“Children deal with many challenges during their hospital stay, all in an unfamiliar and scary setting. Pod helps children cope with their stay, by bringing laughter, fun and happiness to the ward, distracting children from pain and enabling them to focus on a good experience.”
– Play Specialist, Northwick Park

2 · What the Hospitals Say

Comments from some of our Hospitals

Lead Health Play Specialist
The joy, distraction and sense of normality our entertainer brings into the ward environment is invaluable, and we consistently see a positive impact on mood, engagement and wellbeing during and after each visit. The visits bring comfort, happiness and hope to children and young people during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Mid & South Essex University Hospitals
Physician Associate Student
The Pod visit was highly beneficial, as it helped brighten the children's day during what can be a very difficult time. Being in hospital can feel isolating and unsettling, especially when children are away from their families and usual routines. The visit created a safe, supportive environment where they were able to enjoy, have fun, be entertained and momentarily forget about their illness and hospital setting. It was amazing to see the children so entertained!
Royal Albert Infirmary Wigan
Play Manager
Our entertainer's visits completely transform the atmosphere on the ward, bringing smiles to children who may not have smiled all day. Some of our patients arrive feeling worried or low, but Paul has a remarkable way of easing those feelings. His kindness and talent create moments of light that stay with the children long after he's gone.
Oxford Children's Hospital
3 · Hospitals

Hospitals and Hospices visited.

Pod hospitals across the U.K. - tap to see the list Tap to see the hospital list

Pod entertainers visit 65 hospitals and hospices every month covering all regions of the U.K.

65
Hospitals & hospices, 2026
1,800
Sessions in 2026
See the full hospital list
4 · Thanks to our Donors

Thank you to our donors.

Pod thanks our generous donors for helping bring magic, fun and laughter to thousands of children in hospitals and hospices throughout the U.K.

I would like to personally thank our donors who enable me, and many other entertainers, to make these much-needed visits that bring joy and comfort to both the children and their families.Colonel Custard · Pod Entertainer
5 · How to Help

Every pound becomes a Smile.

Bank transfer

The simplest way to give. Set up a one-off transfer or a standing order from your bank.

CAF Bank Ltd
Pod Charitable Trust
Sort: 40 52 40
Account: 00006995

Cheque by post

Made payable to “Pod Charitable Trust” – posted to Margaret at the address below.

Margaret Munford MBE
Mount Hall
Llanfair Caereinion
Welshpool, SY21 0BH

Gift Aid & in memoriam

UK taxpayers – Gift Aid recovers an extra 25p in every £1, at no cost to you. We also welcome legacy and in-memoriam gifts.

Gift Aid form (PDF)
6 · Pod People

The entertainers, trustees, friends and donors who make Pod happen.

Two Pod entertainers (Colonel Custard and colleague) smiling together
Entertainers

22 professional children's entertainers.

Pod's team of 22 professional children's entertainers are experienced in providing hospital visits and catering for the needs of sick children. They are DBS checked and follow Pod's Safeguarding and Infection Control Guidelines.


Trustees · Pod Charitable Trust (Reg. 279743)

David Jamilly

Founder and Chair of Trustees: David Jamilly.
Trustees: Gary Davison, Kim Einhorn, Michel Einhorn.


Trustees · Pod League of Friends (Reg. 296119)

The Friends.

Chair: David Jamilly. Trustees: Gary Davison, Kim Einhorn, Michel Einhorn. The Friends cover all Pod's administrative expenditure.


Administrator · MBE

Margaret Munford MBE

Awarded her MBE in 2012 for services to the charity.


Donors

Our generous supporters.

Charitable trusts, business donations, hospital friends, hospital charities, groups and organisations, media appeals and private individuals.

7 · Latest News

Fresh from the wards.

Recent posts from our Facebook page.

30 August 2026

Play Specialist Lucy at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

says, "We hope that Russ will keep coming to us to help us bring smiles to many faces!" And here are two of those smiles sent by a father and an aunt who say, "My daughter was in…

View on Facebook
28 August 2026

As always, there were lots of appreciative comments from parents

when Malcolm the Magician visited UHCW University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire earlier this month. "Made her feel great. Absolutely amazing - magic and balloons do wonders…

View on Facebook
23 August 2026

A grateful mother sent this picture of her 3 children after

a visit from Colonel Custard at Stoke Mandeville Hospital saying, "Made my girls laugh and smile. He was amazing and really made my girls' day. Play Specialist Hayley adds, "His…

View on Facebook