News

International Day of Play 2026

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

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

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

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.

Spread a Smile Appeal

 700 400 Susie
By:

Today marks the launch of the Spread a Smile 2026 Appeal — and we need you to help make it our most impactful yet.

Running from 5–9 July, the five-day campaign is all about coming together to help bring much-needed joy, laughter and connection to seriously ill children and young people across the country.

Every year, tens of thousands of children face long hospital stays, missing out on the simple joys of childhood — playdates, school trips, and time with friends. Instead, their days are filled with clinical routines and uncertainty. That’s where Spread a Smile steps in — delivering entertainment, creativity and happiness when it’s needed most.

This year, our goal is ambitious: to deliver 23,000 smiles. And with your help, we know we can do it.

How you can get involved

Joining the appeal is quick and easy — and every action you take can make a real difference:

  • Sign up to become a Spread a Smile Champion
  • Receive your personalised fundraising page link
  • Share it with your network via WhatsApp, email and social media
  • Encourage friends, family and colleagues to donate — every contribution counts
  • Then watch something truly special happen.
Small actions. Big impact.

Whether it’s a single message, a shared post, or a quick donation, your support helps bring moments of joy to children who need them most. Together, we can turn generosity into laughter, connection and unforgettable smiles.

Become a Champion Today

We can’t do this without you — and we need you now.

👉 Become a Champion. Share your page. Inspire donations.
👉 Be part of delivering 23,000 smiles.

Let’s make this July unforgettable.

Register your interest!

Family Events – May roundup

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

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.

John Radcliffe expansion

 780 400 Susie
By:

Spread a Smile is delighted to be expanding delivery of our services across children’s wards at Oxford Children’s Hospital (John Radcliffe site), part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Spread a Smile has been supporting seriously ill children and young people receiving treatment at the hospital since 2024, making monthly in-person entertainer visits alongside providing a range of virtual services. Thanks to the support from Oxford Hospitals Charity, the number of visits is being doubled. The funding from Oxford Hospitals Charity will help ensure that Spread a Smile reaches every patient that could benefit from their services across, children’s in-patients and out-patients.

Kelly Osborne, whose 12-year-old son Jenson spent three months in hospital following gastro surgery, praised the support, saying: “It’s amazing seeing him so happy. Jenson is a long-term patient, so for him having these sessions is really important – they make his week!

“It’s good to have someone non-medical who isn’t doing a procedure, just having fun with him. After the sessions have taken place he tells everyone about them. He just loves them.

“I’m so appreciative for this extra support from the charities, it really makes such a difference to families like ours. It’s amazing.”

Sarah Vaccari from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “It was wonderful to see Jenson’s delight at the Disney songs and bubble play, so skillfully provided by Laura and Kerry from the Spread a Smile Team!

“Our charity team is thrilled that thanks to our kind supporters and the talents of Spread a Smile, we have been able to fund these extra sessions to bring more joy into the Oxford Children’s Hospital. Fun and laughter in hospital is so important and has such a positive impact on our young patients and their families. It’s just wonderful to see.”

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive said: “Spread a Smile is committed to supporting as many seriously ill children, young people and their families as possible across the country. Through our entertainer visits, family outings and events and art initiatives, it is our mission to make sure that all of the families we support have a chance to smile, laugh and have fun. We are extremely grateful to our friends from the Oxford Hospitals Charity for helping to take us one step closer to achieving our aims of delivering regular in-person entertainer visits to all 28 specialist children’s hospitals in the UK by 2035.”

Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at John Radcliffe Hospital added: “We are so grateful to Spread a Smile for the energy, kindness and creativity they bring to our wards. These sessions offer children a chance to simply be children again, and that impact is felt by their families and staff alike.”

Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter to receive Spread a Smile updates and smiles direct to your inbox. 

Memorial Event

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

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

 1024 768 Hannah Myers
By:

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

 1024 768 Hannah Myers
By:
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

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

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

 1024 683 Hannah Myers
By:

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