Chris Cox, a ‘mentalist magician’, star of theatre show The Illusionists and TV star of CBBC’s Chris Cox’s Mind Blowing Magic, sent a very special message to staff and residents at Balhousie Monkbarns this week to help keep spirits high during the Coronavirus Crisis.

The message, which includes a mind-bending leg and arm exercise, was arranged by Monkbarns Care Assistant, Fiona Brown. Fiona knows Chris, so asked him if would be kind enough to send a video to make people smile.

In the video, Chris thanks the staff for their hard work and that he hopes they are having fun.

After talking through his fun exercises, he wishes the Monkbarns team well and to “keep washing your hands and stay happy.”

Chris’ message comes days after TV presenter Ade Adepitan and singer Linda Harrison sent a special video message to Monkbarns offering a “virtual hug”.

Care assistant Fiona said: “I know Linda and Ade through my sister, who is Linda’s sister-in-law. I was at work and thought, you know what, a wee positive message from someone famous and outwith the home might help to spread some positivity and let residents and staff know that there are many people out there thinking of them. It has been lovely to be able to bring another message to the team, this time from magic Chris.”

Balhousie Monkbarns in Arbroath is part of the award-winning Balhousie Care Group, which runs 26 homes across Scotland.  A spokesperson for the group said: “Our care home teams are working incredibly hard right now to ensure that life in our homes remains as close to normal as possible for our residents. They’re also being extremely supportive of each other, in exceptional circumstances. We’re very proud of our staff, and thankful to Fiona for reaching out to Ade, Elle and Chris.”

Click here to watch the video.