I've just had the joy of joining eight incredible young magicians on a Breathe Magic camp. These two week camps are for young people with hemiplegia - a condition that causes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, making everyday tasks very difficult.
From day one, everything they do requires both hands, such as unpacking the magic tricks, preparing lunch, making the costumes for the big show, playing games and of course learning magic! Seeing their immense determination is so inspiring and the results after two weeks are astonishing.
The camp finishes with a graduation show. The young magicians each perform some of their favourite magic for an audience of friends and family (much scarier than an audience you never have to see again!). This is even more impressive when you realise that they've only been learning magic for 10 days!
Hear direct from the young magicians what it means to them:
Some of the achievements during the camp.
Learning their craft.
Graduation time!
With Imelda Staunton & Jim Carter.
There were two very special guests at the show - Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton. They're both huge supporters of Breathe and regularly pop into the camps to offer encouragement and support. I did a small spot in the show and having them in the front row was a little bit nerve-racking!
Seeing the young magicians' confidence grow over the course of the programme and their beaming smiles afterwards is the best reminder of the true power magic can have.
Find out more about Breathe Magic here.