Woman attempts to conquer childhood fear of clowns - by going to clown convention in Lowestoft

Clowns are set to gather in Lowestoft for a week long convention. Picture: Nick Butcher

Krystle Graver (pictured), 30, is also known as Vixen Von Doom – as she is a burlesque performer based in Ipswich.

She is aiming to attend the event to learn more about the history of clowning in an attempt to combat her lifelong fear of the performers – which stemmed from her having anxiety issues as a young child.

She points to three memorable experiences that kick-started her phobia.

'I was off school poorly and fell asleep downstairs,' Ms Graver recalled.

'My mum carried me to bed and little did I know she had changed my bed sheets and the pillow case was a clown's face.

'So when I woke up it gave me such a fright.

'Also having my face painted as a clown by a great grandparent, who didn't know I was afraid of them and discovering this when I got home.

'Another was having a clown dive towards me during a procession which made me so nervous, I ran into a nearby shop.'

Ms Graver is hoping to film parts of a session with the performers, but remains apprehensive about the experience.

'As much as clowns can catch me off guard and scare me I am fascinated by the entire history of them and think it's an amazing talent,' she added.

'I'm feeling very apprehensive about the convention, I think it will do me wonders in the sense of learning more about clowning, its history and culture but on the other hand partaking in clowning workshops is going to be quite a challenge for me to be actively involved in.'

Ms Graver is also soon to embark on a volunteer trip to Romania where she will work with two small family run animal rescues to help build kennels and other items.

The convention will see clowns from across the world descend on the town, to take part in a number of workshops.

? Visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/krystle-graver for more information or to donate to the project.