Miriam Bass, our friend and colleague from Theodora in Switzerland visited Scotland last week and she and her husband Dan, took part in the Edinburgh Christmas Fun Run for Hearts & Minds. They joined the crowds in Inverleith Park on Sunday 7th December on a chilly grey day but that didn’t dampen their spirits. They had their very own Clowndoctor Cheerleader too as Dr Crumble came along to brighten their day.
Before the event Miriam shared why she wanted to do this event for Hearts & Minds:
“For me and my husband, a sports event is more than just a race—it’s a chance to do something good while we still enjoy the gift of good health. There’s a certain joy in sharing this positive energy with others, especially when we know it can make a difference.
As I prepare to run through the beautiful Inverleith Park in Edinburgh – a city I fell in love with -, I think about the work I do as the quality manager in a healthcare clowning organization in Switzerland. It reminds me of all those who dedicate themselves to supporting vulnerable people, like children in hospitals or elderly individuals in need of care. Every step I take in this peaceful park feels like a tribute to them.
And as a proud member of the EFHCO, I’m also grateful for the opportunity to be connected to wonderful organizations like Hearts and Minds, whose mission resonates deeply with me. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of health, kindness, and community.”
Hearts & Minds Co-Artistic Director Lucy McGreal was also there to cheer them on, and she said:
“When Miriam got in touch about running the 5k in support of Hearts & Minds, I was absolutely delighted to welcome not only another member of a Healthcare clown organisation, but a fellow efhco (European Federation of Healthcare Clown Organisations) member. After our general annual meeting in Paris in October, it was an honour to meet Miriam again and cheer her on along with her husband Dan, in our city of Edinburgh. We value everyone that makes time to raise awareness and funds for our charity, and we would like to send a BIG Thank You to them, and of course we can’t forget their biggest cheerleader, Dr Crumble.”
Hearts & Minds and Theodora are both members of the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations. Through this organisation we have built great friendships with clowns across Europe and share ideas and thoughts on working in hospitals, schools for children with additional support needs and residential care for people living with dementia.
If this has inspired, you to challenge yourself and take part in an event next year for Hearts & Minds why not consider signing up for one of the Kiltwalk events in 2026.
