A Capes4Kids circus adventure makes sick Canberra children smile

An exclusive backstage tour of the big top was just the start for the 20 or more children on Saturday.

The full circus troupe, including ringmaster Robert Bruce and the flying trapeze artists, wore capes during the show in solidarity with the unwell children as well as their friends and family who were the focus of the day.

For many of the children the jaw-dropping performances paled in comparison to meeting the animals.

"The animals are our show," he said.

"We have three lions, four monkeys, three camels, 10 dogs and two Welsh mountain liberty ponies," he said.

Capes4Kids aims to empower sick children and those in hospital by providing them with a handmade superhero cape.

Since the charity was established in 2014, more than 7000 of the capes have been delivered to kids across the nation.

More than $200 was collected from audience members donating toward its continued work.

Melissa Couch said her three-year-old daughter Milly Couch-Cullen was thrilled to go to the circus as a way of supporting their family friend Joshie Catterick, 3.

"Milly's favourite thing was the ponies because she got a pony ride as well," she said. "There were donated lollies and cupcakes too so they were all on a bit of a sugar high."

Kylie Catterick said it was hard to explain the stress of watching her youngest child, Joshie, battle such devastating health demons.

"He was born with a brain tumour which they didn't find until he was four months old. So he was critical by the time they found it," she said.

Along with the annual MRIs to check for tumour growth she said her littlest had undergone seven surgeries and had cerebral palsy and epilepsy among other challenges.

"When you have a child going through something and you get into the drudgery of the day after day treatment and therapy … when they put on the cape it makes you stop and remember what they're achieving and how hard they're fighting all the time."