In 1997, she trained with the Theodora Children’s Trust and became the first “Clown Doctor” at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
“It is real magic work, really special work,” she said.
“I’ve been fortunate that I got to train as a clown doctor and I’m able to bring joy and laughter to sick children and their families during difficult times”.
Arnold, who spent over 50 years performing as Trumble the Clown and taught Lucy the ropes, said he was “immensely proud” of his daughter.
“She works just as hard, if not harder at it than I did,” he said.
“Sometimes people think you just roll up and do it. There’s a lot of research going into it. I’m very proud of her.”
Lucy said she hoped her family’s story would help to inspire more people to consider becoming a clown.
“There is a new world of kids loving clowns,” she said. “And there’s not many around.”