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Gabrielle Devine

gamesaid

Calling all Gaming Industry Professionals

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

 

Lucy Jackson Spread a Smile speaking at industry dinner

Spread a Smile’s inaugural PR Dinner

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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We were delighted to host Spread a Smile’s inaugural PR Dinner on Thursday 29 January at the Ham Yard Hotel, London. Hosted by Phil Caplin, Founder of leading broadcast PR firm Broadcast Revolution, alongside Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, the evening brought together senior leaders from across the PR sector for an intimate dinner in support of the charity.

The event provided an opportunity to introduce Spread a Smile’s work to influential voices within the industry, sharing the impact of our programmes and exploring how the PR community can help amplify our mission. Guests also enjoyed a magical performance from Spread a Smile magician Sacha, who gave a first-hand glimpse of the joy, distraction and connection our entertainers bring to children and families in hospital.

Broadcast Revolution has supported Spread a Smile with pro bono PR expertise since 2020, playing a vital role in raising awareness of the charity’s work and reach.

Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, said:

“It was fantastic to bring together such a brilliant group of senior leaders from across the PR industry to share more about our work and the impact it has on children and families. Evenings like this are so important in helping us raise awareness, build new relationships and open the door to future support. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, and especially to Phil and the team at Broadcast Revolution for their continued commitment to Spread a Smile and for helping us share our story so powerfully.”

Phil Caplin, Founder of Broadcast Revolution, said:

“Spread a Smile does extraordinary work supporting seriously ill children and their families at some of the toughest moments of their lives. It’s been a privilege to support the charity over the past few years, and hosting this dinner felt like a natural next step in bringing more of the PR industry together behind such an important cause. I’m really proud of the ongoing partnership between Broadcast Revolution and Spread a Smile.”

To find out more about how your company could get involved in supporting Spread a Smile, please contact Lucy Chesney, Head of Partnerships, at lucychesney@spreadasmile.org.

 

Parent Mental Health Day

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Today, 30 January 2026 is Parent Mental Health Day, a day where we recognise the strength and courage of parents navigating life when their child is seriously ill.

When a child is unwell, parents and carers often place their own mental health and wellbeing second, focusing entirely on supporting their child through treatment, hospital stays and ongoing uncertainty.

At Spread a Smile, we support seriously ill children and their families across the country through a range of specialised services. Our in-person entertainer visits bring joy to children in hospital and also play an important role in supporting parents and siblings who are with them. Interactions with our entertainers bring laughter, distraction and shared experiences to everyone in the room, offering moments of relief from anxiety and the ongoing pressures families face.

Our family events are designed with the realities of caring for a seriously ill child in mind. We understand that financial pressures, accessibility issues and the uncertainty around a child’s health can make planning outings extremely difficult. By organising every aspect of an event – from theatre trips and cinema visits to lunches and afternoon teas – we remove some of that burden. These events provide families with the opportunity to spend time together in a safe, welcoming environment, while parents and carers are given space to pause, feel supported, and connect with other families in similar situations.

With the wellbeing and mental health of parents and carers at the forefront, we also offer dedicated parent pamper days in NHS hospitals including Great Ormond Street Hospital, the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, St George’s Hospital, and Evelina London Children’s Hospital. These pamper days are aimed at supporting parents and carers with children who are spending extended periods of time in hospital, providing everything from massage and aromatherapy to nail treatments and hair styling. These sessions give parents time for themselves, providing respite, moments for self-care and a sense of normality during exceptionally challenging times.

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of parents of seriously ill children is an important part of Spread a Smile’s work and we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for care, relief and support for parents when they need it most.

Please click here to find out more about how Spread a Smile supports parents and carers.

Our January e-newsletter is here!

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Inside this month’s e-news, you’ll find out about our exciting Research Partnership with University of Essex funded by Innovate UK.

We also hosted some brilliant family events, from theatre trips to see Wicked and The Lion King, to our wonderful ‘teen’ event at The Met Lounge Fitzrovia.

You’ll also find some exciting fundraising highlights, including celebrating Adam from Riding House Cafés as our first Supporter of the Month for 2026. We’ve also included some inspiration if you’re thinking about taking on your own challenge.

Read our January e-news here.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe here to receive our monthly e-news directly to your inbox.

twing raid

Supporter of the Month

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

We are proud to shine a spotlight on Adam White, Founder and Managing Director of Riding House Cafés in London.

Riding House Café has supported Spread a Smile since 2022, raising vital funds through bill donations and generously hosting our family events in their beautiful restaurant. Building on this amazing support, Adam is now taking the team’s commitment to the next level by tackling the ‘Twing Raid.’

Far from a standard road trip, this 10-day challenge will see Adam navigate the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains in a vintage car. It is a true test of endurance, navigation, and resilience. Adam told us a bit more about this incredible challenge and why he chose to support Spread a Smile…

“I’ve been working with Spread a Smile for quite a few years now. I think the work they do is incredibly brave and important; it is so greatly appreciated by the children and their families.

For this challenge, I’ll be joining 450 other entrants, all driving original Renault Twingos.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the desert stages as it’s a totally new experience for me, though camping in sub-zero temperatures in the Atlas Mountains will certainly be a challenge. Our daily goal is simple: arrive at each destination without breaking ourselves or the car. The ultimate achievement will be crossing that finish line with an even closer bond with Eric, some new stories, improved French, and – most importantly – raising vital funds for the causes we represent.”

We are so grateful to Adam for his incredible fundraising efforts, and to Riding House Café for their ongoing support in helping us spread smiles to seriously ill children. Find out more about Adam’s ‘Twing Raid’ here.

Feeling inspired? Explore our upcoming challenge events for 2026 here.

Edward Gordon-Hall Spread a smile Trustee

Welcome new Trustee: Edward Gordon-Hall

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Spread a Smile is delighted to welcome Edward Gordon-Hall as a new Trustee to our Board. As we continue to grow and strengthen the charity, Edward’s leadership, expertise and perspective will play an important role in helping us maximise our long-term impact for seriously ill children and their families.

Edward is the Chief Executive Officer of law firm Druces LLP, having previously held the role of Finance Director. A qualified accountant, he brings over 30 years’ experience advising and working with professional services firms, offering valuable insight across strategy, finance and operations.

Spread a Smile looks forward to working closely with Edward as we continue to develop the charity and deliver lasting impact for the children and families we support.

Edward said:

“I’m really pleased to be joining the Board of Spread a Smile. The charity does such meaningful and uplifting work, and I’m proud to support its mission. I hope my experience in strategy, finance and governance will help strengthen the charity and support its long-term impact.”

You can explore our board of Trustees here.
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