The best medicine: laughter therapy

Laughter therapy is being dispensed liberally for sick children in hospital, with encouraging results. Annette Rawstrone hears the diagnosis.

By sticking out her tongue and pulling a stupid face, Samantha the life-size puppet can make six-year-old Yasmin laugh so much that the big, bright jester hat balanced on her head falls over her eyes. The laughter remains as Samantha pushes her squashy nose up against Yasmin's cheek and gives her a kiss. But it was no laughing matter six months ago when Yasmin (not her real name) was admitted to Booth Hall Children's Hospital in Manchester with meningitis.

While Yasmin lay critically ill in intensive care with her eyes tight shut, surrounded by tubes and machines, Samantha made her first short visit to her bedside. Through play consultant Frances Binns, Samantha spoke to Yasmin and the following day she sang 'Old Macdonald', which encouraged Yasmin to speak very quietly. The puppet and Yasmin have since become best friends. As Yasmin's dad carried her to the operating theatre the puppet accompanied them on his back, and after Yasmin had both her feet amputated Samantha helped comfort her.