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NHS healthcare professionals

Celebrating healthcare professionals

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a special event to celebrate the incredible healthcare professionals we work with, welcoming staff from 11 of the NHS hospitals we support. We are immensely grateful for their tireless efforts and hard work in supporting the seriously ill children and families we work with and this annual event is a chance to thank them in person and give them a chance to relax and celebrate what they do together.

To bring some of our own magic to the evening, our Spread a Smile entertainers were on hand, with Judge the Poet performing spontaneous, personalised poetry, Magic Nick amazing guests with his incredible magic tricks, and Louise crafting intricate balloon models for our guests to take home.

The evening was made even more special thanks to our wonderful partners, Pan-n-Ice, Sushi Dog, and Lola’s Cupcakes who provided delicious food and treats for our special guests. We are also incredibly grateful to our friends from Uncommon for hosting the event and making us all so welcome.

Spread a Smile is proud to partner with 39 NHS hospitals across the country, working with hundreds of healthcare professionals to support seriously ill children and young people under their care. To find out about our work and how you can support us, please take a look here.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Spread a smile case study

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Eliza

 800 530 Gabrielle Devine
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For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing the story from a family we have the privilege of supporting.

Eliza was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just eight weeks old and Mum Hannah has kindly shared the difference Spread a Smile has made to her family – whilst Eliza was in hospital and after she sadly passed away in February 2023.

“We met Spread a Smile one Thursday on our first visit to GOSH. It was an awful time as we didn’t know what was wrong with Eliza to start with and we were stuck in a hospital room, worrying and not knowing anyone to talk to. And then one of the Spread a Smile entertainers came in with her guitar and sang for us. Eliza was transfixed and it was so, so wonderful to see.

Throughout Eliza’s treatment, Spread a Smile invited Hannah and her family to join us for our family events, providing  an opportunity for them to spend time quality time together having fun. Hannah, husband Mark and their sons joined us for a special trip to the cinema along with some of the other families we support.

“The boys had never felt so special, and we were welcomed with open arms, treated to food, treats and entertainment before sitting down to watch the film together.

“Eliza died unexpectedly a few weeks later from a liver disease caused by the chemo. We went home and started to navigate life again after loss. And then in March 2024, Spread a Smile invited us to a Memorial Event to remember children who had passed away and it was such a lovely thing to do.”

We are so grateful to Hannah and her family and you can read the full story here.

Fundraisers of the Month: Vidhi and Polly

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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This month, we’ve been overwhelmed with incredible fundraising efforts from our brilliant supporters. This month, we’re sharing Vidhi and Polly’s stories with you. Their hard work and dedication has been inspirational, helping us spread many more smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

Vidhi’s Birthday Fundraiser

Vidh

For her ninth birthday, Vidhi chose to fundraise for Spread a Smile in support of our Intensive Care Library Project. Vidhi dedicated herself to the cause by skipping, selling cupcakes, and approaching local businesses to get them involved, raising an incredible £5,725 to fund books to for our libraries at our NHS hospital partners.

Vidhi told us, “I was eight when I skipped, I baked and worked extremely hard to help children in hospital. Together with over 1,000 supporters and close to 400 donors, we raised over £5,725!

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the many happy faces when the books are delivered. I want to carry on, grateful for how good it feels to make a difference.”

Polly’s Plod

Polly's Plod

Polly raised an amazing £2,600 by plodding over 40 miles throughout August. She exceeded her goal of a mile a day, pushing herself whenever her energy levels allowed and we loved seeing how she got on across the month.

Polly’s mum shared this message with us: “We have been lucky enough to experience the impact of Spread a Smile first hand and will be forever grateful to the charity for giving Polly her smile back in times where it felt like her smile would never return.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you for plodding alongside Polly, both literally and metaphorically.”

Thank you to Vidhi, Polly and their families for their wonderful support and for going the extra mile to raise so much to spread smiles to seriously ill children in hospital.

 

If you’re feeling inspired by these two superstars, why not take on your own fundraising challenge and help make a difference to the families we support? Email rimi@spreadasmile.org to find out more.

 

 

 

Brent Dyer Cycling fundraiser

Brent Dyer’s cycling challenge fundraiser

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Inspired by his daughter Aimee, who works as an entertainer for Spread a Smile, Brent Dyer has completed an incredible cycling journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising over £1,000 to support our work.

Over a period of just over three weeks, Brent battled a series of obstacles during the 1,000 mile journey. He had to contend with the remnants of Storm Floris in the Scottish Highlands and endured countless punctures along the way. Despite these setbacks, the kindness of strangers who donated on the spot and the positive messages he received kept him motivated. Here’s what Brent has to say:

“It was a pleasure and an honour to raise money for such a wonderful charity as Spread a Smile, and I really appreciated all the encouragement and positive messages I got from the Spread a Smile team, which really picked me up on days when I didn’t feel I wanted to continue with the ride.

“I would encourage anyone to do a challenge like the LEJOG 1000 for such a worthwhile charity because no matter how tough the challenge may be at times, it is more than compensated for by the enjoyment you get at the end when you find out how much money you have raised that you know will go towards putting smiles on children’s faces who are going through such heartbreakingly difficult times.”

His determination has paid off, and we can’t wait to see what he achieves next. The vital funds raised will support our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

Inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge? Take a look at our upcoming challenge events here.

Nicci Dennis Spread a Smile

Introducing our new EA and Office Manager

 740 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Spread a Smile is delighted to welcome Nicci Dennis, who joins the team as Executive Assistant to Lucy Jackson and Office Manager. We spoke to Nicci about her background in the charity sector, and what she’s most looking forward to in her new role at Spread a Smile. Here’s what she had to say: 

“I’ve worked in PA and EA roles for almost three decades across a variety of industries, but in 2020 I made the move into the charity sector when I joined Anthony Nolan – an organisation that saves and improves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders, and holds the UK’s largest stem cell register.

“Shifting into the charity world felt like a natural step that aligned with my personal values. I love knowing that the work I contribute has real meaning and impact. Fundraising has long been a passion of mine; I’ve completed the London Marathon, the London to Brighton Bike Ride and regularly took part in the 5K Swimathon, alongside my two daughters.

“Joining the Spread a Smile team as EA and Office Manager has already exceeded my expectations. The energy and passion here is contagious, and I’ve been welcomed so warmly by everyone. I’ve had the privilege of attending a Spread a Smile Family Event already and it was incredible to see the team in action, watching children laugh and play, and hearing parents share how much the charity means to them was truly inspiring. Supporting CEO Lucy Jackson and the wider team, I am excited to use my organisational expertise to help drive the charity’s mission forward.”

To get all our latest news sent directly to your inbox each month, sign up to our monthly e-newsletter here. 

Teens Unite outdoor activity day

Outdoor Activity Day with Teens Unite

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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We recently had the privilege of working alongside our incredible friends at Teens Unite to provide a special outdoor activity day for young people living with or beyond cancer. Held at an outdoor center in Cheshunt, the event was filled with fun and laughter, providing young people a space to challenge themselves and try something new.

Teens Unite provides these activity days to help encourage young people back into physical activity after cancer treatment. The day was designed to be accessible to all, ensuring every participant could engage at their own pace.

Attendees took on a variety of challenges, from archery to bell boating to climbing. It was a day dedicated to trying new things and creating an encouraging environment. There was such a positive and supportive energy, and it was a joy to witness participants discover new strengths, have a fun day together, and meet other young people.

We are so glad to be able to work with Teens Unite to provide such wonderful days, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.

Want to stay tuned with all things Spread a Smile? Subscribe to our newsletter here to get our monthly supporter e-newsletter directly to your inbox.

Farewell and thank you to Louise Jacobs

 780 400 Susie
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We are saying a heartfelt thank you and fond farewell to our wonderful trustee, Louise Jacobs, who has stepped down from the Board after 8 incredible years of service.

Louise joined Spread a Smile in July 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the charity and corporate sectors, alongside a deep passion for improving the lives of children and families. Her commitment, energy and insight have been invaluable as we’ve grown and evolved as a charity.

During her time as a trustee, Louise helped guide us through a period of significant transformation, including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the expansion of our hospital partnerships, and the development of our new strategy. She has been a thoughtful, generous and compassionate presence on our Board, always keeping the children and young people we support at the heart of every decision.

Louise said, “I have been inspired every day by the dedication of the team and the joy they bring to children and families facing unimaginably difficult times. It has been a privilege to play a small part in helping to grow this remarkable charity and I will continue to champion its work wherever I can.”

Louise brought warmth, wisdom, experience and a great sense of humour to the boardroom, and a genuine belief in the power of joy and human connection, values that are at the very core of Spread a Smile.

Paul Godfrey, Chair of Trustees, said: “Louise has been a truly outstanding trustee: insightful, committed, and always guided by compassion. Her contributions have shaped key moments in our charity’s journey and her voice has been one of strength and kindness throughout. On behalf of the Board and the whole Spread a Smile family, I want to thank her sincerely for everything she’s given us.”

While we will miss Louise’s leadership and presence on the Board, she will always remain a cherished member of the Spread a Smile family and we look forward to welcoming her back to support our family events and hospital visits.

From all of us – staff, fellow trustees, entertainers, volunteers and families – thank you, Louise, for helping us to spread so many smiles over the past 8 years.

To find out more about our Board of Trustees, please take a look here.

Bringing Pamper Days to King’s

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Last week, we were delighted to host our first Pamper Day at King’s Hospital, London. Our incredible aromatherapist, Collette, was joined by volunteer Precious, offering parents and carers of children with long-term hospital stays the chance to relax and unwind.

Throughout the day, we provided a range of soothing treatments, including aromatherapy and hand massages. Precious was on-hand making people feel beautiful by providing incredible hair cuts and blow dries. These small but significant treatments are designed to offer a moment of self-care and respite from the demanding nature of hospital life.

We know that during a child’s long-term hospital stay, moments of self-care and relaxation are often difficult to find. That’s why it was such a pleasure for us to provide this space for parents and carers to relax. We are committed to bringing more moments of joy and tranquility to the hospital environment and look forward to providing more relaxation to parents and guardians on future visits.

Learn more about what we do at Spread a Smile and sign up for our e-newsletter here to get our news directly in your inbox.

Spread a Smile becomes BizzFest charity partner

 780 400 Susie
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We are delighted to announce that Spread a Smile has been chosen as a charity partner for BizzFest, an exciting new business festival which will take place on 18 September at Cressing Temple Barns, Essex.

Created by a team of five founders, BizzFest will bring together world-class speakers, powerful networking, and festival vibes, all in one unforgettable day designed to inspire and propel business growth for founders and teams. The inaugural event features a daytime conference with speakers covering topics from AI to motivation, followed by a lively evening festival with three music and performance stages.

Shaun Pledger, Co-Founder of BizzFest said, “At BizzFest, we believe that business is about more than just growth. It’s about impact. Partnering with Spread a Smile is our way of shining a light on a charity that does extraordinary work for children and families at the toughest times of their lives. We’re inspired by how they not only bring joy to young patients, but also create meaningful, bespoke partnerships with businesses. Supporting them feels like a perfect fit for BizzFest, and we’re proud to help spread more smiles together.”

The partnership with Spread a Smile will offer the charity a brilliant opportunity to introduce our work to a new business-led audience, raising awareness and funds to enable us to spread even more smiles and bring joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families when it’s needed most.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive said, “We’re extremely grateful to Bizzfest for inviting us to be part of this wonderful event and are looking forward to meeting as many guests and attendees as possible. It’s a great opportunity for us to reach new audiences, showcase what we do as a charity and share how we bring a unique and engaging approach to the partnerships we develop. We’re excited to be working with BizzFest to bring Spread a Smile to the stage and show how we can help businesses to achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility goals in an inspirational way, making a meaningful impact for the families we support.”

BizzFest isn’t just another business event. It’s where entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow, in a setting that’s as exciting as it is inspiring. Although first release tickets to the event are now sold out, there is still a chance to secure a spot for your business here.

To find out more about how your company can support Spread a Smile, please visit our partnerships page here or reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Lucy Chesney, by emailing lucy.chesney@spreadasmile.org

Lola's cupcakes

National Cupcake Day with Lola’s Cupcakes

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

For National Cupcake Day on Sunday 17 August, we’re celebrating our brilliant partnership with our friends from Lola’s Cupcakes.

Lola’s Cupcakes first supported Spread a Smile in 2013, when the charity was just one year old. Since then, Lola’s has been an integral part of our journey as we’ve grown and expanded our services to help more seriously ill children and their families. They have regularly supported us by donating delicious cupcakes for hospital visits and family events, and even providing stalls for our Summer and Winter Parties.

“We are so grateful to everyone at Lola’s Cupcakes for their generosity and kindness, through their delicious donations and support. Nothing is ever too much trouble for their wonderful team and our families absolutely love a Lola’s Cupcake. It’s really important to us to make sure the families we support enjoy wonderful experiences together and are helped to feel as special as possible. A huge thank you from everyone at Spread a Smile for being such a wonderful partner and helping us do just that.” Laura Walter, Spread a Smile Director of Services

Thank you to everyone at Lola’s Cupcakes for helping us to spread smiles to seriously ill children and their families when they are needed most. We appreciate all that you do.

If you or your company would like to explore opportunities for working with Spread a Smile to make a difference, please reach out to our Head of Partnerships Lucy Chesney at lucychesney@spreadasmile.org .