Posts By :

Gabrielle Devine

World Book Day hospital visits with Hannah Gold

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

For World Book Day on 5 March 2026, Spread a Smile hosted two very special hospital visits with bestselling children’s author Hannah Gold, to mark a year since the launch of the charity’s Intensive Care Library Project.

Hannah Gold, multi award-winning author of The Last Bear and The Lost Whale, accompanied Spread a Smile Chief Executive, Lucy Jackson and our team of entertainers on visits to our NHS hospital partners, King’s College Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, to see firsthand the difference the libraries are making to families with children on intensive care and high dependency units.

During the visits, Hannah visited the libraries and watched Spread a Smile’s entertainers in action, with Fairy Melissa providing soothing music and professional storyteller, Posey on hand with gentle stories and support for parents around reading with their children whilst in intensive care. Hannah kindly took time to read an excerpt from her World Book Day Book, ‘Bear Rescue’ with families from across the paediatric wards, providing some wonderful moments for everyone who joined us. She also had the opportunity to meet members of the ward and play teams along with some of the children and their families receiving treatment.

Hannah Gold

Hannah said, “Spending time with the children and families supported by Spread a Smile this World Book Day means more to me than I can properly put into words. Books have always been a source of comfort, imagination and hope in my own life, and to be able to share that love, even in a small way, feels incredibly special. It is a real privilege to sit with these children, to read together, to listen and to simply be present. I feel very humbled to be invited into their world, and I hope the stories we share bring a little light and joy to their day.”

In the last year, Spread a Smile has introduced 20 libraries at 15 of our NHS hospital partners, providing families with easy access to a wonderful range of books suitable for all ages and abilities. Families are welcome to borrow the books to read with their children, enjoying special moments together and over 2,000 books have been donated and supplied by Spread a Smile for the libraries over the past year.

Just £5 could help us replace a well‑loved book and ensure our libraries continue bringing joy to as many children as possible, for as long as possible. Sponsor a book today

Lucy Jackson said, “Since launching the Spread a Smile Intensive Care Library Project for World Book Day in 2025, the initiative has gone from strength to strength, providing an invaluable reading resource for families with children on intensive care and high dependency units in NHS hospitals across the country.

“We have received wonderful feedback from families and also the hospital teams and it’s fantastic to know that our libraries are providing welcome opportunities for parents, carers and their children to find moments of distraction and engagement during what can be an extremely stressful and worrying time.”

When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, life can become very unsettled, scary and unfamiliar, controlled by schedules, treatment plans and prolonged hospital stays away from family and friends. Through our libraries, Spread a Smile is providing a way for children and their families to find comfort and calm through the familiar activity of reading together. It was wonderful to be able to share this work with Hannah, touching on how the libraries are supporting families with ways to bond, reduce stress, find emotional comfort, connection and distraction during difficult and isolating times.

Sue Pruden, Therapeutic Play Service Manager at Evelina London said, “We are so grateful to Spread a Smile for organising this fantastic event for World Book Day. It was a joy to welcome Hannah Gold, who visited families in our Sky ward and then read to babies, children and young people in Beach ward.

“Spread a Smile is a charity that has supported Evelina London Children’s Hospital for many years. They help us to create relaxing and fun experiences for the families we care for by regularly bringing wonderful entertainers to our hospital. Last year, they generously donated two libraries of children’s books, which are available to families using our paediatric intensive care services. These libraries allow parents to read to their child, whatever they might be going through, and they make a huge difference to their experience here. Reading offers a wonderful escape into other worlds, away from the hospital environment. It is a wonderful activity that families can share together.”

We are incredibly grateful to Hannah Gold for joining us this year and helping us bring the joy of reading to young patients in hospital. Our thanks also so Emmie’s Books for their initial donation of books for the project launch and Expect Amazing for their continued support of our intensive Care Library Project, including packing and delivering the books for our most recent deliveries of books to coincide with World Book Day 2026.

Projects such as these are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, donors and fundraisers. By donating just £5, you’ll be sponsoring a book to help us keep our intensive care libraries well-stocked and available for children in intensive care to enjoy for years to come.

Sponsor a book today

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with Spread a Smile – as an individual or a company – please do get in touch at fundraising@spreadasmile.org

Thank you.

 

Help us spread smiles this World Book Day

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

With World Book Day just around the corner, we’re shining a light on a very special part of our work: our Paediatric Intensive Care libraries.

We now have 20 libraries across 15 of our NHS partners, each one filled with books chosen to bring comfort, distraction and moments of joy to seriously ill children and young people when they need it most.

For families with a child in intensive care, days can be filled with worry and uncertainty. Reading together offers a vital moment of connection and escape, helping create moments of calm in an otherwise overwhelming environment.

Thanks to the kindness of our supporters and partners, many of the books on our shelves have been generously donated. These stories spark imagination and provide precious shared moments between a child and their parent.

We refresh our libraries throughout the year so every child can find something new, exciting or familiar. Just £5 could help us replace a well‑loved book and ensure our libraries continue bringing joy to as many children as possible, for as long as possible.

Donate today

Thank you for helping spread smiles this World Book Day.

 

World Teen Mental Wellness Day

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Today, 2 March, is World Teen Mental Wellness Day and we’re recognising the unique challenges faced by young people living with serious illness, as well as the specialist support Spread a Smile provides to help them feel seen, valued and understood.

For many young people living with a serious illness, long hospital stays and intensive treatments can mean missing out on important social milestones at a time when they’re discovering their independence. They often find themselves caught between children’s and adult services, with fewer dedicated resources designed specifically for their age group. This gap in support can leave them feeling isolated during an already difficult period.

At Spread a Smile, we work closely with our NHS hospital partners to help bridge that gap, offering joyful, age‑appropriate experiences that give young people a break from clinical environments. Through dedicated youth events and tailored hospital visits, we aim to create relaxed, welcoming spaces where they can be themselves, connect with others and feel supported when they need it most.

Our hospital visits bring moments of relief and connection, with entertainers who understand how to engage young people. From magicians sparking laughter, to artists encouraging creative expression, to singers performing their favourite songs, every visit is shaped around their interests. These interactions offer opportunities for joy, confidence and self‑expression during long hospital stays.

We also run virtual and in‑person activities designed specifically for young people, including our virtual art club, group sessions, music lessons and creative workshops. These sessions help build confidence, connection and a sense of community beyond the hospital walls.

Alongside this, we offer specialist youth events throughout the year. Recent highlights include our young people’s event at the MET Lounge in Fitzrovia, giving those we support the chance to socialise, relax and enjoy time together in a space created just for them. At Christmas, our team also delivers bespoke gift hampers filled with age‑appropriate treats chosen to bring comfort and joy during the festive season.

We’re committed to providing an adaptable, meaningful range of support for children and young people. By listening to their needs and working alongside our NHS partners, we ensure every young person we meet feels recognised, celebrated and supported through the challenges of serious illness.

 

Discover Spread a Smile’s February highlights

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Our February e‑newsletter is here!

This month we’re sharing a joyful roundup of our incredible Winter Party, a brilliant feature in The Big Issue celebrating us as a Changemaker of 2026, highlights from Children’s Mental Health Week, moments from our recent PR dinner, a look ahead to our upcoming Golf Days, and more…

There’s so much to catch up on, click here to read our February e-newsletter.

Don’t forget to sign up to our e-newsletter so it lands directly in your inbox each month.

Thank you for helping us bring comfort, laughter and moments of joy to seriously ill children and young people.

Spread a Smile Winter Party 2026 Roundup

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

On Wednesday 18 February, we held our annual Winter Party – and what a brilliant day it was, filled with so much fun and so many smiles.

For the first time, we hosted the party during half-term to make sure even more families could join us. It was held at Protein Studios in Shoreditch – a bright, spacious venue that was the perfect setting for our fabulous winter celebration.

It was an incredible day which saw us welcome nearly 600 guests – seriously ill children and young people we support, along with their families. This very special event was packed with activities and entertainment, all run by the Spread a Smile team and over 92 brilliant volunteers, and were also delighted to welcome some of our Trustees to share in the magic of this very special day.

Our arts and crafts area was busy all day, with guests enjoying creative activities including beanie decorating, cup decorating and hands-on crafts. Slime workshops, delivered thanks to Slime Planet, were a huge hit, and the interactive floor games kept children of all ages entertained. We were also delighted to welcome Anna’s Animals, who brought along some beautiful creatures for our guests to meet. Children had the chance to hold a snake, cuddle a bunny and even hold a millipede!

For those with a competitive streak, there were plenty of games to enjoy, including an F1 racing simulator, a dance mat and arcade games. Thanks to Hasbro, we also had a fantastic range of games for all ages, from Connect 4 to Nerf. Our Spin to Win wheel gave guests the chance to win some amazing LEGO prizes, which proved extremely popular throughout the day.

For teens, parents and anyone looking for a moment to relax, our pamper corner offered aromatherapy and massage, along with professional make-up artists who took the time to connect with guests and help them feel their very best. And we had a fun photo booth that offered families the chance to capture special memories from the day.

Our entertainers kept the energy high with amazing magic shows and live singing from Frozen and Wicked. Huge thanks to KSS Stage & Sound for ensuring everything looked and sounded fantastic.

A parent who attended said:

“This year was especially meaningful for us, as it was the very first time that my son has been well enough to attend, he will be 4 this year. To see him able to join in, smile, and simply be a child in such a magical environment meant more to us than I can properly put into words.

What made the day even more special was your thoughtful inclusion of siblings. They so often carry emotional feelings quietly and take on more than anyone realises; giving them space to feel included, celebrated, and just as important is such a beautiful and compassionate touch. It did not go unnoticed.

The entertainers were absolutely amazing — every single one brought energy, warmth, and joy into the room. The bubble floor was pure magic, the slime station was a huge hit, and the atmosphere throughout was filled with laughter and excitement. You could see the genuine happiness on every child’s face.

We were also so grateful for the thoughtful dairy-free and vegan options. That level of care and consideration ensures that every child and family feels included, safe, and able to fully enjoy the day without worry.

The thought, dedication, and time that went into creating this event was simply perfect. Every detail was so clearly centred around the children — their joy, their comfort, their experience. That is what made it so incredibly special.

Thank you for the light you bring to families like ours. Without realising the small moments you create, makes such a big difference for us.“

We are incredibly proud to deliver days like this for the families we support. It was so special to see so many families relaxing, having fun, meeting the team and connecting with others.  A heartfelt thank you to BC Partners for sponsoring the party, LMG for sponsoring our entertainers, and Derwent London for sponsoring the gifts for the day. Thank you also to Children’s Welfare and Research Foundation and Children with Cancer UK for your support and commitment. 

Thank you to all of our friends, families and colleagues for joining us and making our Winter Party 2026 one to remember.

To help ensure we can continue to spread smiles to seriously ill children and young people, please donate today. Thank you.

 

gamesaid

Calling all Gaming Industry Professionals

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Do you work in the gaming industry? We need your support.

By becoming a free member of GamesAid and voting for Spread a Smile, you could help unlock vital funding for seriously ill children and young people in hospital.

GamesAid is a UK charity that brings together people and companies from across the games industry to support smaller charities helping disadvantaged, disabled and seriously ill children. Each year, members nominate the charities they care about, and those with the most votes receive an equal share of the funds raised.

For the children we support, gaming is far more than entertainment. During long and often gruelling hospital stays, it can reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, provide distraction from pain and help children stay connected with friends and siblings.

If you’re part of the UK gaming industry, here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Become a GamesAid member
Membership is completely free and only takes a couple of minutes to sign up.
To be eligible to vote, you must sign up by 12 April 2026.

2️⃣ Vote for Spread a Smile when voting is open, from 13 – 27 April.

3️⃣ Spread the word
Encourage colleagues and industry contacts to sign up and vote too — every vote counts.

Last year, we came just outside the charities selected for funding. With your support this year, we have a real opportunity to secure essential funds to continue delivering joy, laughter and moments of distraction to children living with serious illness.

If you work in gaming, this is a small action that could make a huge difference. Thank you.

Sign up to our monthly supporter e-newsletter here to stay up-to-date with our work.

Spread a smile changemakers big issue 2026

The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers of 2026

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

We are so excited to announce that Spread a Smile has been named in The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers of 2026.

We’re honoured to be recognised for our vital work bringing moments of joy and laughter to seriously ill children in NHS hospitals and hospices across the country. This recognition means so much to our entire team and highlights the importance of our work, as we continue to grow as a charity and spread more smiles to seriously ill children and their families in the years to come.

In 2024–25, our team delivered 13,200 bedside visits across 39 NHS hospitals – from magicians and musicians to artists and therapy dogs. These moments of joy provide comfort, positivity and hope for children and families navigating incredibly difficult times. We see first-hand the impact that a smile can have in a clinical environment, and we’re committed to reaching even more young people in the years ahead.

A huge thank you to our Ambassador, Suzi Ruffell, for nominating us and for everything she does to support our work. Suzi has supported Spread a Smile since 2022, after seeing the difference our entertainers made to a close family friend’s daughter during her treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Since then, Suzi’s support has been vital – from curating and hosting our annual Comedy Night at The Comedy Store to our biennial Gala dinners, to joining our volunteers to pack festive Smile Hampers at Christmas. We are incredibly grateful for her commitment to helping us bring more joy to seriously ill children.

Read more in The Big Issue’s Changemakers 2026 feature here.

If you or your business would like to support our work, donate here or explore partnership opportunities by emailing Head of Corporate Partnerships, Lucy Chesney at lucychesney@spreadasmile.org.

Spreading smiles at The Royal London

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Our Spread a Smile entertainers recently brought moments of joy and distraction to young patients with additional support needs at the Dental Hospital at The Royal London. Hospital visits and treatments can be particularly overwhelming for children who require extra support, and our team works closely with hospital staff to ensure every interaction feels safe, calm, and engaging.

Using gentle, visual magic and soothing music, our entertainers helped transform what might have been a stressful appointment into a more positive and comforting experience for children and their families. These small moments of connection can make a big difference, offering reassurance, smiles, and a welcome break from worry.

Laura Walter, Director of Services at Spread a Smile, said:
“We know how challenging hospital environments can be for children with additional needs. Our aim is always to meet each child where they are, adapting our approach so they feel supported, seen, and able to enjoy a moment of joy and distraction during a difficult time.”

A huge thank you to the wonderful team at The Royal London for welcoming us and for the incredible care they provide every day. We’re proud to work alongside you to bring joy to young patients.

Help us spread more smiles. Donate today.

 

childrens mental health week

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February marks Children’s Mental Health Week, a chance to recognise the emotional challenges faced by children and young people across the UK.

At Spread a Smile, our priority is to enhance the emotional wellbeing of the children we support in hospital. We believe this is just as important as the physical care they are receiving. This was reflected in our most recent impact report, where 100% of healthcare professionals we surveyed said our visits have a positive impact on patients’ mental health and wellbeing.

For the children and teenagers we support, mental health is deeply connected to the reality of living with a serious or life‑limiting illness. Many spend long periods in hospital or at home undergoing treatment, often separated from school, friends, and familiar routines. These experiences can feel overwhelming and isolating, affecting confidence, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Our role is to bring relief and moments of brightness during these difficult times. Through creative sessions, music, magic, laughter, art, and meaningful one‑to‑one interactions, whether in person or online, we create space for children and young people to express themselves, feel supported, and reconnect with joy. These moments of joy and distraction can make a meaningful difference, helping to lift spirits and create a sense of normality when so much feels out of their control.

We remain committed to being there for children, siblings, and families whenever they need us, offering comfort and positivity throughout the hardest parts of treatment.

If you would like to support our work and help us reach even more families, you can make a donation here.

To learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week and find resources to get involved, please visit their website.

All peaks challenge logo

All Peaks Challenge

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Spread a Smile is proud to be a chosen charity for the All Peaks Challenge, an extraordinary event taking place on 13 June 2026. This ambitious undertaking will bring 120 teams together to summit every P600 mountain across the UK and Ireland at the exact same time.

The challenge has been created to honour those who face their own mountains every day with courage and hope. By reaching 120 summits simultaneously, participants will create a powerful symbol of solidarity across two nations while raising vital funds for two charities: Spread a Smile and Just Rifles.

The All Peaks Challenge was founded by Terence Martin who shared the personal motivation behind launching the event and his personal experience Spread a Smile:

“The All Peaks Challenge was born from a deeply personal place. When I learned that my son is neurodivergent, my perspective shifted forever. I saw first-hand how vital the work of charities is – not as an optional extra, but as an essential lifeline for children and families navigating challenges they never chose.

I wanted to do more than simply acknowledge that importance – I wanted to make a meaningful, lasting impact. This challenge is my commitment to creating something bigger than myself, something that leaves a legacy my son can be proud of: one rooted in empathy, resilience, and action.

Through my work, I was introduced to Spread a Smile and was immediately struck by the sheer size of their hearts. The joy they bring to children facing serious illness is extraordinary. In moments that can feel overwhelming and unfair, they offer laughter, light, and hope. Supporting them through the All Peaks Challenge is my way of turning purpose into action, and compassion into change.”

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a determined hiker ready to push your limits, this is an opportunity to be part of something truly remarkable. Click here to find out more and sign up now.