Spread a Smile is delighted to introduce our first volunteer Young Ambassadors, Aaron Maurice and Varun Shradhanand Mahatme.
Both Young Ambassadors share personal connections with the charity. Spread a Smile was founded 11 years ago by Aaron’s aunt, Josephine Segal and her friend, Vanessa Crocker, after he spent five long months having gruelling cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was after Josephine surprised Aaron with a magician that she realised the impact entertainment in hospital had, seeing Aaron smiling and laughing again. Josephine made a promise to Aaron that she would arrange more magicians and entertainers to see more children in hospital.
Of his new role, Aaron said “Spread a Smile means a huge amount to me as I have watched the charity grow from an idea to an award-winning organisation, run by a team of extremely special and talented people. My motivation to engage with Spread a Smile is simple, I want to help make a positive impact on children who are suffering from illnesses that no one, let alone a child, should have to experience. Through working as an Ambassador, I hope to spread awareness of Spread a Smile wherever I can. I’m looking forward to organising and helping run events, volunteering and supporting in any way possible.”
Varun also has a personal journey with Spread a Smile. He spent several months in hospital in London when he was 11 years old, having treatment for stage 4 Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, which was in his spine. Varun was far from home, friends and family when he began his treatment and was supported throughout his treatment journey by Spread a Smile.
Varun said, “I was just 11 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer and the reality of my situation really hit me hard. On my first night on the ward whilst awaiting my chemotherapy, I listened to the doctors trying to resuscitate a little girl who had an unexpected cardiac arrest. She sadly passed away and this left me overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. It was all I could think about. It was at this time that Spread a Smile had started visiting my hospital ward and this is when I met the Spread a Smile team. I was fortunate enough to experience first-hand how they help children momentarily forget their struggles. They brought light into my and my family’s darkest moments with loads of joy and laughter, transforming mindsets by providing a much-needed escape from my challenging reality. I can’t wait to begin my Young Ambassador role and supporting the crucial work that they do.”
Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile’s Chief Executive said of the new Young Ambassadors, “I can’t think of two people better suited to become Young Ambassadors for Spread a Smile, I am so honoured that both have agreed to take on this role.
“Aaron is ultimately the reason the charity exists and he continues to inspire the whole team every single day. It was a privilege for us to support Varun and his family through his treatment in the early days of Spread a Smile and it’s wonderful that we are all still in contact.
“I believe we’ve found our Future Leaders. By involving young people in our activities, we can cultivate the next generation of leaders and supporters, ensuring long-term sustainability and continuity. Early involvement in our work can foster a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility among young people too and we couldn’t be more delighted to have two very talented Ambassadors to kick start these roles for us. I really look forward to working with them both.”
Please join us in welcoming Aaron and Varun to the Spread a Smile team.
