A clown who has spent four decades spreading laughter across Norfolk is planning on fundraising for charity following unsuccessful chemotherapy treatment.
Malcolm Mallet, 69, or Bubbly Bingo the Clown as he is more commonly known, was diagnosed with blood cancer and has been receiving treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Unfortunately, the chemotherapy has been unsuccessful and doctors are now hoping that a drug called Ibrutinib will produce better results.
But Mr Mallet, from Norwich, is determined to both fight and give back by fundraising for the Big C cancer charity this summer.
His daughter, Donna Amiteye, paints faces at many fairs and fetes and Mr Mallet intends on joining her and donning his face paint once more, sharing balloons in return for donations.
Mrs Amiteye said: “How many events he will be able to do will depend on how he is, but it is giving him some fight to do something for such a great cause, and also to say thank you for all the support he has received.
“For the first time in over 40 years my dad sat down to eat a family dinner on a Easter Sunday. If he wasn’t ill he would’ve been working and he is finding it hard just being at home.”
In January, Mrs Amiteye launched Operation Show Bingo the Love in a bid to cheer up her father, and hundreds of people responded with messages of support, memories and jokes.
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park in Reedham, where Mr Mallet worked for twenty years, has also opened a book where visitors can leave messages for the clown who provided so much entertainment over the years.
Mrs Amiteye said her dad needs support now more than ever.
She said: “I am totally proud, so many people really appreciate what he has done for them over the years, we can’t thank them enough for the support. Any visitors that come, he shows them proudly the cards and messages he has received,
“But we need them more now then ever, because we still need to keep him strong, positive and smiling.
“I know he would like to thank everyone so far who has contributed and sent well wishes.”
To send a message to Bubbly Bingo, contact Mrs Amiteye by emailing dondukey03@aol.com or calling 07376120399.
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