Every month, our entertainers spend time at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, supporting young patients receiving treatment for cancer in The Proton Beam Therapy Centre. The visits mark an exciting time for Spread a Smile as we develop our work supporting seriously ill children and their families in the North West of England.
Spread a Smile Artist, Esther recently joined the charity and we spoke to her about her work supporting Spread a Smile to bring our art initiatives into the hospital including personalising radiotherapy masks for patients undergoing treatment at the Centre.
“I was familiar with the work of Spread a Smile though a friend who works for the charity and was delighted when she reached out after seeing my work as an artist on social media.
“Art was always my favourite subject at school and I have always loved to draw and make things. I studied fashion at University and have had multiple jobs in the creative space for multiple, large companies. I left my office job last year to focus all my time on my own creative business and in that same week, Spread a Smile were in touch. I’m based in the North West and my friend explained that the charity was developing their work in that area. It felt like it was meant to be! Meeting some of the wider team during the interview process underlined just how special the charity is. Everyone is so warm and friendly. Now I get to share my passion for creativity and art with the children, young people and their families at the hospital.
“The Christie Hospital is such a bright place, with a positive energy and atmosphere. They have a playroom with books and toys, along with tables and chairs that I can set the art up on. It feels like a privilege to spend time with the children receiving treatment there. They can come in feeling unwell from treatment or a bit unsure meeting new people for the first time, but the next minute they can be chatting and laughing with you. It is very inspiring.
“I initially spent a lot of time listening to how the team interacted with the children, learning how to support them best. During the art sessions, I provide different options suitable for different ages, so I might take line drawings for children to colour in, stickers to make pictures, bracelet making, wreath making, decorating pumpkin drawings or materials to create Christmas cards.
“I love the work I do helping to personalise radiotherapy masks which can look so clinical and intimidating at the start. The child or their parents let me know what they would like on the mask – a character or something they love or enjoy. So far I have been asked for Teletubbies, boxing, Fortnite, Pokemon, Spiderman and Jo Jo & Gran Gran. I use paint pens to illustrate the mask and create something really personal for each child.
“My hope is that painting the masks helps them to feel more familiar and colourful and less intimidating and I’ve received some really positive feedback so far.
“I feel so much empathy for the families I meet. When I was 21 I was diagnosed with a serious, lifelong health condition which changed my life, involving multiple stays in hospitals and frequent check-ups. As an adult I know how scary it is to receive a life-changing diagnosis – it must be so much harder for a child. By taking arts and crafts into hospital to help entertain and pass the time, I feel I can help to bring some joy, relief and distraction from what they are going through. Being able to help with the masks feels like such a privilege.
“I feel so grateful to be working with such an amazing charity. Art can make such a positive difference and I’m so proud to be able to share art to uplift and bring joy when it’s needed most.”