The Hour

Spina Bifida sufferer, Ella Chambers, was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Zippos Circus, when it opened its summer tour in Glasgow’s Queen’s Park.

The five-year-old and her family were given ringside seats for the first show in Scotland on June 9, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour – and they even met many of the artistes, including Norman Barrett, the world’s most famous ringmaster.

Ella’s special trip came about after Zippos Circus donated a circus show performance to the Scottish Spina Bifida Association, to be auctioned at their Gordon Ramsay Gala Dinner last year.

Gordon Ramsay - an honorary patron of the charity - bought the item himself, giving little Ella the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful experience.

Moved by the work of the SSBA, Zippos Circus have also decided to support the charity throughout their tour in Scotland, with free entry to the charity’s users.

Speaking about Ella’s special day, her mum Melanie said: “Something like this for Ella is completely different, and to get behind the scenes is something she’d never normally get to experience, and I think she’s had an absolute ball today….

“We’ve just had a really, really nice experience and we hope to do it again another day.”