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Hannah Myers

International Day of Play 2026

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On Thursday 11 June, we celebrated International Day of Play – a global initiative, recognised by the United Nations, which highlights the essential role of play in every child’s life.

The day is an important reminder that all children have a right to play and that opportunities for fun, creativity and connection are vital for children’s wellbeing and development. At Spread a Smile, helping seriously ill children access the benefits of play is at the heart of everything we do, particularly at a time when hospital stays, treatment and isolation can make these experiences more difficult to access.

To mark International Day of Play, Spread a Smile entertainers Posey, Leanne and Mitra joined the Play Team at St Mary’s Hospital for a day of fun and laughter across the wards. Through storytelling, songs, comedy, games and imaginative play, they spent time with children and families, creating moments of joy, distraction and connection throughout the hospital.

A particular focus of the day was ensuring that children who may find it harder to access play opportunities, including those in isolation rooms, could also take part. Through bedside visits and personalised interactions, the team helped ensure as many children as possible could experience the fun and benefits of play.

Supporting opportunities for play is a key part of Spread a Smile’s work in NHS hospitals and hospices across the country. In 2025/26, we delivered In 2025–26, we delivered over 18,411 in-person bedside visits and over 2,860 virtual visits, in partnership with 39 NHS hospitals and six hospice partners, helping thousands of seriously ill children and young people access moments of joy, creativity and connection when they needed them most.

Laura Walter, Director of Services at Spread a Smile, said:

“International Day of Play is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate something that is so important to every child – play. Play is about so much more than having fun – it helps children express themselves, build confidence, reduce their anxiety and create positive memories.

“At Spread a Smile, play is at the heart of our work. Every day, we work closely with the brilliant play teams across our NHS hospital partners, providing different forms of entertainment and play experiences. It’s been wonderful celebrating International Day of Play alongside the fantastic Play Team at St Mary’s Hospital.”

A huge thank you to the Play Team at St Mary’s Hospital for inviting us to be part of such a special day and for the incredible support they provide to children and families throughout the year.

Happy International Day of Play from everyone at Spread a Smile.

To donate to ensure we can continue our vital work, please click here

First in-person visit to Wales

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We were delighted to make our first ever in-person visit to Wales on Friday 5 June, with a special entertainer visit to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Joined by our Chief Executive, Lucy Jackson, our fairy and magicians visited seriously ill children across the paediatric ward and playroom, bringing moments of laughter, connection and joy.

We were also delighted to welcome Wrexham Member of Parliament, Andrew Ranger MP, alongside Members of the Senedd, Ken Skates MS, Sam Rowlands MS, Cristiana Emsley MS and Nigel Williams MS. Together, they spent time with our entertainers and the hospital and play team, seeing first-hand the positive impact that Spread a Smile makes through play, creativity and connection for children and young people in hospital.

The visit marked a special milestone in a partnership that began during the Covid pandemic. Since October 2021, Spread a Smile has delivered dedicated fortnightly virtual entertainment sessions for patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, with the play team taking an iPad bed to bed so that children can enjoy one-to-one time with our entertainers. Patients have also joined our virtual group sessions, while long-term patients and their families have been supported through home visits and special gift hampers.

Rebecca Morris, Children’s Ward Manager, said: “Time in hospital can be long and frightening for a child, and the visits from Spread a Smile give our patients something to genuinely look forward to. Having the entertainers here in person was a real treat for the children and their families, and it was wonderful to share the day with our local representatives.”

Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, added: “Wales has been part of Spread a Smile for nearly four years, so to finally be at the bedside in person at Wrexham Maelor means a great deal to us. Watching a child who has been having a tough day light up when a magician or our singing fairy arrives is something I never tire of. 

“Our thanks go to the play team, who have championed this partnership from the very start, and to the children and families who made us so welcome.” 

A special thank you to Andrew Ranger MP, Ken Skates MS, Sam Rowlands MS, Cristiana Emsley MS and Nigel Williams MS. Also, to the Play Team and staff at Wrexham Maelor for helping to make the day such a success.

Family Events – May roundup

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Throughout May, Spread a Smile hosted a series of special family events, giving seriously ill children and their families the opportunity to step away from treatment and hospital appointments to enjoy quality time together, make happy memories and simply have fun.

From a magical trip to see The Lion King in London’s West End to a fun-filled cinema outing during half-term, each event was designed to create moments of joy, connection and togetherness for the families we support.

On Wednesday 13 May, families joined Spread a Smile at the Lyceum Theatre in London for a special performance of The Lion King.

Before the show, families enjoyed a pre-theatre party with pizza, Lola’s Cupcakes and entertainment from our Spread a Smile team. Mr Magic brought plenty of laughter and amazement with his brilliant tricks, Rosie led singalongs featuring Lion King classics, and Marta added extra sparkle with her face painting before families headed into the theatre for the performance.

Following the show, families also had the chance to meet members of the cast, making the day even more memorable.

Karen, mum of Max, shared: “It was so special – Max and I will treasure it always. It was just a dream to do something special with Max after all he has been through. Also, for Max and the other children to be treated like the VIPs that they are.”

Jo, mum of Etta, added: “Etta loved absolutely every single second of it – particularly the wonderful magician who she thought was hilarious. You guys are fantastic, a lifelong, complex medical condition doesn’t really bring many benefits to a family but getting to do things with spread a smile is most definitely a wonderful positive from a rubbish situation. We think you are all fabulous and thank you for giving us the opportunity to come along.”

Later in the month for half-term, we welcomed 51 children and family members to Everyman Cinema in King’s Cross for a screening of Zootropolis 2.

Families enjoyed a fun-packed afternoon complete with magic, music and plenty of delicious treats including popcorn, pizza, sweets and Lola’s Cupcakes before settling down together to enjoy the film.

One parent shared afterwards: “Thank you so much for yesterday, was such a wonderful time and was Albie’s first time at the cinema so thank you for making that happen. Thanks for all your support and amazing work you guys do once again!”

Ellie Walker, Head of Family Events at Spread a Smile, said:

“This is exactly why we create these days – to spread smiles, give families a chance to pause, and let children simply be children. Seeing families connect and share these moments together is incredibly special.”

Alongside these family outings, May also saw Spread a Smile host its annual memorial event, A Time To Remember supporting families who have experienced the loss of a child and ensuring they continue to feel supported and connected as part of the Spread a Smile community.

A huge thank you to those who helped make our May family events possible, including Clarksons, Disney, Everyman Cinema and Lola’s Cupcakes.

If you are a family with a seriously ill children who would like to find out more about our events, please email smile@spreadasmile.org – thank you.

Memorial Event

 780 400 Hannah Myers
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Earlier this month, Spread a Smile held its third annual Memorial Event, A Time to Remember, kindly hosted by Clarksons at their offices in St Katharine Docks.

A Time to Remember is an important part of Spread a Smile’s ongoing care for families we support, ensuring we are there for them for as long as they need us. This deeply meaningful gathering brought together those who have experienced the loss of a child, providing a gentle and supportive space to come together, remember and honour their loved ones.

The ceremony was led by Judge, our poet, and focused on “smile” memories shared by families — precious moments of joy, love and connection that continue to be held close. Families were invited to write these memories on “memory leaves” and place them on a shared memory tree, creating a moving collective tribute.

After the ceremony, families were able to spend time together in a calm and supportive environment, with the opportunity to connect with others who understand similar experiences. A quiet rooftop gathering hosted by Clarksons followed, with refreshments available and space for reflection.

Throughout the day, gentle activities were available for those who wished to take part, including hand massages with aromatherapy from Priya and Laura, magic from Mr Magic, and plant pot decorating with Posey and Marina. Each family also received “forget me not” seeds to plant at home as a lasting symbol of remembrance.

Therapy dog Smartie also joined the day, offering comfort and quiet companionship. Marina, our Head of Art created personalised memory books for each family, thoughtfully reflecting their child’s life, personality and what they loved.

Spread a Smile Chief Executive Lucy Jackson, Director of Services Laura Walter, and Head of Family Events Ellie Walker were also present, supporting families throughout the day with Laura saying: “We will always be there for families, and will always honour and remember the special young people we have had the honour of supporting.”

We are deeply grateful to Clarksons for hosting this important event, to Children with Cancer UK for their continued support, and to Lola’s Cupcakes for their kindness in providing refreshments.

If your company would like to explore ways to support our work – by hosting an event, providing resources, or partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at  fundraising@spreadasmile.org.

If you are a family looking for support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing smile@spreadasmile.org. We are here for you.

Fladgate Corporate Partnership

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We’re delighted that Spread a Smile has been chosen as one of Fladgate’s charity partners alongside Grief Encounter for the next two years (2026–2028), following a staff-wide vote. 

To kick off the partnership, Spread a Smile entertainer, Collette joined Fladgate’s karaoke fundraiser on Thursday evening. We’re looking forward to visiting Fladgate’s offices soon to meet the wider team, share more about the charity’s work and the many ways staff can get involved – from fundraising and volunteering to taking part in challenge events in support of Spread a Smile.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Spread a Smile as one of our firmwide charities – their message truly resonates with us, as does the fantastic work they do in hospitals to bring joy to children who are seriously ill.” – David Harrison, CSR Partner Lead at Fladgate. 

Rosie Perkins, Spread a Smile’s Corporate Partnerships Manager added, “We’re so excited to be partnering with Fladgate as one of their chosen charity partners for 2026–2028.

“This partnership will help us continue to bring joy, laughter and comfort to seriously ill children in hospitals and hospices across the UK, through our entertainer visits, events and family support services. 

“Thank you to everyone at Fladgate for your support – we’re incredibly grateful and so excited for what we can achieve together. We can’t wait to get started!” 

If you would like to find out more about how your company can get involved with the work of Spread a Smile, through our partnership programme or events, please email Rosie at rosie@spreadasmileorg 

Hackney Half Marathon 2026

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On Sunday 17 May, 30 incredible #TeamSmile runners took on the HOKA Hackney Moves Half Marathon 2026, raising over £19,000 to help Spread a Smile continue bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families across the country.
Team Smile was the largest to date, with individual runners joining teams from some of our corporate partners – Clarksons, Corinthia London and BC Partners –  to take on this iconic challenge in support of Spread a Smile’s vital work.
Chris Perrin, Spread a Smile Public Fundraising Manager, said, “This year Team Smile Hackney Half, raised more than ever before through their fundraising at this brilliant event – an incredible amount which could help fund over 600 bedside entertainer visits to seriously ill children and young people in hospital. A huge thank you to each and every one of our runners for their passion, commitment, determination and for helping us spread smiles where they’re needed most.”

The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible, with the Spread a Smile cheering team (including our very own Chief Executive, Lucy Jackson), joining in the fun and helping to keep our runners motivated at our Mile 6 dedicated cheer point. The celebrations continued at a post-race meet and greet at Hackney Marshes.

Our friends from Clarksons shared their motivation for supporting Spread a Smile and taking part in the challenge, saying: “Clarksons is a truly diverse organisation, with our demographics stretching across all ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds. However, one thing remains the same across all of these, we all have children in our lives which we care very deeply for – whether it be our sons, daughters, cousins, nieces, or nephews – and we at Clarksons all wish for nothing but the best for the young people in our lives.

“With that in mind, it is important to remember those not as fortunate as our loved ones, children who do not have the same opportunities to thrive and enjoy their younger years that others are afforded. This is why we chose to support Spread a Smile, a charity that aligns with our values here at Clarksons and allows us to help children who deserve the world given their truly unfortunate circumstances.

“Through our fundraising, we have been able to reflect on ourselves and the fortunate positions we, and the children in our lives, may find ourselves in. We hope our efforts in fundraising for this wonderful charity bring joy and happiness to those who most deserve it – and provide much needed relief to children and parents alike, even if just for a day. It really is a pleasure to be able to partner with yourselves and represent Spread a Smile in the Hackney Half 2026.”

Join #TeamSmile today

Feeling inspired? Sign up to join Team Smile for the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 11 October 2026 here and take on your own challenge in support of Spread a Smile.

PR Dinner

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We were delighted to host our second PR Dinner, bringing together PR and communications professionals for an evening focused on learning more about the work of Spread a Smile and the difference it makes to seriously ill children and their families.

The dinner was generously hosted on Thursday 14 May by Phil Caplin, Founder of leading broadcast PR firm Broadcast Revolution, at the beautiful Corinthia London, with Phil saying,

“Spread a Smile is an amazing charity and we absolutely love working with them. It’s a real privilege to bring our clients to this event and introduce them to the incredible work the charity does to bring joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families. We hope the evening is the start of lasting relationships and future collaborations, with more people finding meaningful ways to support Spread a Smile and their important work.”

The evening created a unique opportunity for PR and communications professionals to come together to network, connect and engage with one another, while hearing more about Spread a Smile’s work supporting children and young people in hospital and at home. The event also provided an important platform to introduce new audiences to the charity and strengthen relationships within the communications industry.

Guests heard from Spread a Smile Chief Executive Lucy Jackson, who said, “Events like this are such a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who are passionate about making a difference. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to learn more about Spread a Smile and help us continue bringing joy to seriously ill children and their families.”

A magician also joined the evening, helping to bring to life the joy, connection and moments of surprise that are central to Spread a Smile’s work with families.

The PR Dinner is part of our wider corporate fundraising work, helping us to build meaningful relationships with professionals and organisations who want to make a difference by providing valubale support for families going through the worst of times due to serious illness.

We would like to thank Phil Caplin and everyone at Broadcast Revolution for hosting and supporting the evening, all of our attendees for joining us, and Corinthia London for their generous hospitality.

We look forward to continuing to grow these connections and working together to spread more smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

Get in touch with Rosie from our partnerships team at rosie@spreadasmile.org to find out how you or your company can become part of our our brilliant network of industry professionals.

Golf Days 2026

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Our much-loved Golf Days are returning in 2026, bringing supporters together for two brilliant days of golf, connection and fundraising in support of Spread a Smile

Taking place on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September 2026 and kindly sponsored by Canary Wharf Contractors Fund, the events will be held at The Shire London, the UK’s only golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros.

The Spread a Smile Golf Days are a highlight in our fundraising calendar, welcoming supporters and teams from across the corporate sector to enjoy a relaxed but competitive day of golf.  The day will be made that extra bit special thanks to entertainment and special moments around the course from Spread a Smile’s entertainers, and the opportunity to connect with other supporters over a delicious lunch.

Spread a Smile Chief Executive Lucy Jackson said, “Our Golf Days are such brilliant feel-good events — a chance to play some great golf, meet our wonderful Spread a Smile entertainers and do good along the way. With plenty of fun and special surprises throughout the day, they’re always a really uplifting experience for everyone involved.”

We are looking forward to welcoming both returning and new teams for what promises to be another fantastic couple of days on the course.

Kevin Moran, CEO of MP Moran, shared, “I love coming back each year to the Spread a Smile Golf Days. As well as raising money for a brilliant cause, we always have great fun out on the course, especially with the entertainers. There is nothing quite like being serenaded while playing your tee shot and whether it is a good shot or a bad one, they always have the perfect song ready, which brings plenty of laughter to the team.”

Teams can take part as a four-ball or support the event through tee sponsorship, with additional sponsorship opportunities available throughout the day.

Four-ball
£1,600

Four-ball with tee sponsorship
£1,800

Sponsorship opportunities
from £500

Places are now open and we’d love you to join us for one of the most enjoyable and impactful days in our fundraising calendar.

Book your place here

Mental Health Awareness Week

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This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the importance of emotional wellbeing for seriously ill children and their families at Spread a Smile.

At Spread a Smile, supporting the emotional wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families is at the heart of everything we do. Alongside the medical treatment children are receiving, we believe emotional support, connection and moments of joy are just as important during some of the most challenging times families can face.

Serious illness can turn worlds upside down. Long hospital stays, intensive treatment and time away from home place enormous pressure on the wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and their families. Families are often separated from loved ones, daily routines and the experiences that make up a typical childhood, leading to feelings of isolation, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion.

Through our family-centred approach, Spread a Smile provides support during treatment and recovery. From in-person hospital visits that bring laughter, creativity and connection, to family events and outings that create precious shared memories, and virtual entertainer sessions that offer comfort wherever families are, we remain committed to being there whenever we are needed most.

The impact of this work is reflected in our latest impact report, with 100% of healthcare professionals saying Spread a Smile visits have a positive impact on patients’ mental health and wellbeing.*

Our 2026 Parent, Carer and Patient Survey also highlighted the difference these visits make:**

  • 100% of children and young people said a visit made them feel happy
  • 99% said our entertainer visits made their time in hospital better
  • 98% said the visit improved their child’s hospital experience
  • 100% said Spread a Smile brought joy to their child
  • 90% of parents and carers felt supported during visits
  • 93% said visits helped ease stress

Laura Walter, Director of Services at Spread a Smile, said, “At Spread a Smile, we see first-hand the emotional impact serious illness has on children, young people and their families. It can be isolating, exhausting and overwhelming as families adjust to a new way of living.

“Our family-centred approach supports wellbeing through in-person hospital visits bringing joy and connection, family events and outings creating time together as a family, and virtual sessions so families can access support wherever they are. We remain committed to supporting emotional wellbeing alongside medical care.”

One parent shared, “Spread a Smile is an amazing charity. Brightening up multiple hospital admissions we have had and also at home. Spread a Smile really does pick you up when you’re feeling the world is against you.”

Another said, “Spread a Smile has made such an incredible difference in my son’s life. When they arrive in hospital, everything changes — his face lights up with pure joy. For a while, the pain and worry fade away.”

Mila added, “Spread a Smile take a bleak day and fill it with so much colour… it has almost completely replaced the bleakness.”

Just £30 could help fund an entertainer visit to a seriously ill child at their hospital bedside.

Donate Now

* Collated from the Spread a Smile Healthcare Professional Survey 2024 

** Collated from the Spread a Smile Parent/Carer/Patient Survey 2026 

Young Committee Event

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Spread a Smile’s Young Committee hosted a sold-out pub quiz on 6 May 2026, raising £734 to support the charity’s work bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children and young people across the UK.

Held at Uncommon, the event welcomed 60 guests for an evening of fundraising, networking and friendly competition in support of Spread a Smile. The successful event was organised by the newly formed Young Committee under the leadership of new co-chairs Aaron Maurice and Joshua Maurice.

The Young Committee was established to help raise funds and awareness for Spread a Smile, while also providing ideas and insight, relevant to younger audiences and supporters. The committee is made up of ambassadors who have been personally impacted by the charity’s work and are passionate about inspiring the next generation to support Spread a Smile.

Aaron’s connection to the charity is especially meaningful, having been the inspiration behind how Spread a Smile first began more than 13 years ago. Aaron and Joshua are also nephews of one of Spread a Smile’s co-founders, Josephine Segal, making their involvement with the Young Committee deeply personal.
Aaron and Joshua said:

“We are both grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to chair the Spread a Smile Young Committee and inspire the next generation of supporters of a charity that means so much to us.

“To see our first event sell out and bring together 60 supporters was incredibly special, and we cannot thank our amazing committee members enough for all of their hard work, enthusiasm and support in making the evening such a success.

“Spread a Smile has a close, personal connection to both of us, and the Young Committee is a way for us to give back to a charity that has transformed our lives, our family’s and the lives of children across the country.

“This is the start of a long journey for us, and we’re looking forward to growing a network of like-minded, charity-focused people who want to use their careers as a platform to make a positive impact on the world.”

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

“We are incredibly proud and grateful for the support of Spread a Smile’s inspiring Young Committee. Together, they are helping us to reach new audiences, raise vital funds and share our work to help build the next generation of the Spread a Smile family.

“Huge congratulations to all of the committee members, and especially to Aaron and Joshua, who recently took on the role of co-chairs and have truly hit the ground running through a brilliant first event.”

The funds raised from the event will help Spread a Smile continue spreading joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families.

If you would like to find out more about fundraising for Spread a Smile, please email fundraising@spreadasmile.org