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...