On Saturday, Spread a Smile held a very special memorial ceremony to remember children and young people that the charity have supported over the past 11 years.
We were joined by 13 families for a non-religious ceremony, led by Judge the Poet. During the ceremony Judge talked about how memories of a person can be represented by different stones, including smooth pebbles for everyday memories, rough stones for difficult and painful memories and gemstones for beautiful and happy memories. Families were able to choose their own gemstone to take home and were invited to write their memories onto a memory leaf to hang on a special memory tree along with the name of their loved one.
After the ceremony, there was time to connect over lunch, with gentle activities for our families and siblings, including aromatherapy from Priya, magic from Mr Magic, legacy arts and crafts, including sand jars and bracelets with Posey and poems from the wonderful Judge. It was a chance for everyone to remember, share and talk openly with others in a safe space.
As one mum said to us, “this event was the first time I’ve been able to think about a positive memory of my daughter since she passed away.”
Spread a Smile Co-Founders Josephine Segal and Vanessa Crocker were there on the day and the whole team was incredibly proud to share in this very special day.
We are extremely grateful to our amazing partners, Children with Cancer UK for their generous contribution which helped make this event possible and for supporting us on the day.
Also, to The Clarkson Foundation for kindly hosting us at their beautiful office in St Katherine’s Docks, providing the delicious lunch and making us feel so welcome.
Please do reach out if you would like to find out more about how we can support your family.
