Thank you

Thank you to our donors.

Pod thanks our generous donors for helping make the hospital journey a more positive one for thousands of children in hospitals and hospices throughout the U.K.

Magic show at Southampton University Hospital

Letter from a mother · Southampton University Hospital

“Thank you to everyone involved in making this magical experience possible.”

Today I had the privilege of witnessing a truly enchanting magic show at Southampton University Hospital and I cannot express enough how it added a touch of wonder to what can be a challenging environment.

The show was not only visually captivating but also expertly tailored to brighten the spirits of the patients. You seamlessly blended sleight of hand, mind-bending illusions, and a delightful sense of humour. Each trick was met with gasps of amazement, laughter, and an undeniable sense of joy.

What struck me the most was your ability to connect with each patient, adapting the performance to suit individual preferences and comfort levels. It was heartwarming to see smiles light up the faces of those who may be facing challenging times.

The magic show served as a much-needed escape, transporting us all to a world where anything is possible. It brought a sense of community to the hospital, as patients and staff alike shared in the magic, if only for a little while. Kudos to Nikki & Charlie for bringing such a fantastic and uplifting experience to the hospital. It truly was a magical oasis in an unexpected place.

It was so wonderful to see my son's face light up. He's been through so much in the 4 months that we've been in hospital. If there's one thing I took away from the show, it's the reminder that magic has the incredible power to heal, even if just for a moment. Thank you to everyone involved in making this magical experience possible.

- A mother at Southampton University Hospital

Letter from a hospital · Lister Hospital

“Their real magic comes from the joy they bring.”

Everybody LOVES Andy Clockwise and Captain Calamity - children, young people, their families and staff at Lister Hospital. The impact their presence makes on the ward is phenomenal.

If I am on the next shift the children will often ask to see them again as they loved them so much. They engage the children (and their parents) in their interactive shows so much so that many parents will say,

“It's the first time [their child] has smiled in ages.”

I have had children where nothing we do or say makes them feel any better - then along comes these two, and the child is bouncing up and down, laughing and playing. It is so lovely to see.

I know they do magic, but their real magic comes from the joy they bring. They transform these patients into kids again!! I love when I'm on shift and they come in because the ward turns from a hospital into “The best place ever.” Their presence promotes such a positive atmosphere on the ward for staff and patients alike and nothing compares to the happiness and laughter they bring. Even teenagers love to join in with the banter and that is impressive in itself! Thank you once again. We absolutely love them.

- Lister Hospital

Colonel Custard with young patient at Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Letter from an entertainer · Colonel Custard

“I would like to personally thank our donors who enable me to make these much-needed visits.”

It is always such a joy to join the team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Today was no exception. The mixture of balloons for the younger patients and close-up magic for the older children brought so much happiness to everyone involved.

However, the true magic lies not just in the tricks and balloons, but in the interactions filled with fun, laughter, and light-hearted banter along the way. It's remarkable to witness how a simple act of entertainment can turn a frown into a smile and change a mindset, that we hope will linger long after the visit ends.

The parents, who often face their own challenges, also become uplifted by the whole experience. For the older children especially, it offers a brief escape from reality and without any agenda other than to entertain, is something truly special. It allows the hospital's play specialists to make positive connections, helping them establish trusted relationships that can be built upon throughout the child's stay.

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.

- With heartfelt gratitude, Colonel Custard

How to support Pod.

Pod receives funding from Charitable Trusts, Business, Hospital Charities and Leagues of Friends, Local organisations and clubs and private individuals.

If you would like to help Pod make smiles, all donations are gratefully received.

By Cheque

Donations may be made by cheque payable to Pod Charitable Trust.

Pod Charitable Trust
Mount Hall, Llanfair Caereinion
Welshpool SY21 0BH

Bank Transfer

Direct transfer to our charity account.

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

Gift Aid

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Download Gift Aid form

Bank transfer details.

Donations may be made by bank transfer to the CAF Bank account below. For Gift Aid declarations, please contact Margaret.

BankCAF Bank Ltd.

Account nameThe Pod Charitable Trust

Sort code40 52 40

Account no.00006995

Every pound makes a smile

100% of your donation goes to entertaining children.

Pod's administration is paid for by an entirely separate charity. Every penny you give is spent on cheering up children in hospital.

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