News

thortful Christmas Cards

 1024 525 Gabrielle Devine
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Spread a Smile is delighted to have been chosen by creative greeting card marketplace, thortful, as the beneficiary charity for their 2025 range of Christmas Card Packs.

The range includes a selection of beautiful card designs, for adults and children and really does have something for everyone, from fun to thoughtful, festive and traditional. The cards are available to buy online and £1 from the sale of each pack of cards will be donated to Spread a Smile to support our work bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children and young people.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive Officer said, “Our partnership with thortful is an incredible opportunity for Spread a Smile to reach new audiences, raise vital awareness of our work and shine a light on the difference we make to families with seriously ill children. We are extremely grateful to thortful for choosing Spread a Smile and donating such a generous amount from Christmas card sales to help ensure our entertainers can continue to bring music, magic, creativity and fun to children and young people in hospital at Christmas time and beyond.”

Pip Heywood, Managing Director at thortful, said about their partnership with Spread a Smile:

“We believe in the power of connection at thortful and there’s no better time to spread joy than at Christmas. We’re so proud to be partnering with Spread a Smile to help bring moments of happiness to children and families who need it most. Every card pack we send this festive season will help spread not just words, but smiles and that’s what makes this partnership so special.“

thortful supports a community of designers, illustrators and photographers who create beautiful, unique greeting cards (most of which you won’t find on the high street!). We’re excited to share their incredible range of Christmas cards with our supporters as a way of sharing the joy and spirit of Christmas far and wide.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at the range and get a head start on your Christmas cards today.

Josephine Segal: Co-Founder and Lifetime President

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Co-Founder, Josephine Segal MBE became Spread a Smile’s Lifetime President in September 2025, after stepping back from her role on the Board and from her regular day-to-day involvement. This honorary role celebrates Josephine’s extraordinary contribution to Spread a Smile and ensures she will always remain part of our story, continuing to be a cherished presence.

Spread a Smile was founded out of Josephine’s deeply personal response to her nephew Aaron’s illness. Together with Co-Founder Vanessa Crocker MBE, she transformed that experience into something remarkable – a charity that now brings laughter, joy and comfort to thousands of seriously ill children and their families each year. The values Josephine and Vanessa set from the very beginning – compassion, professionalism, respect, empathy and warmth – remain at the heart of everything we do.

Right up until her retirement, Josephine, along with her therapy dog, Buddy, regularly joined our team of entertainers on visits to seriously ill children in hospital, helping to spread smiles and joy.

We are incredibly grateful for all that Josephine has given – her love, her heart and her vision. Spread a Smile simply would not be what it is today without her.

“Spread a Smile will forever be in my heart and I look forward to following its journey with pride. I want to thank my darling nephew Aaron, his brothers and family who inspired Spread a Smile, my Co-Founder Vanessa, family, friends, Trustees, team, entertainers, volunteers, supporters, hospital partners and most importantly the children and families who welcomed us into their lives during such difficult times.” Josephine Segal MBE

Find out more about how Josephine and Vanessa started Spread a Smile back in 2013 here.

Our October e-newsletter is here

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Our October e-newsletter is here!

It’s been a busy month of spreading smiles – from celebrating Play in Healthcare Week to hosting our Lilo & Stitch half-term family events.

We also announced an exciting new fundraising challenge for 2026: the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Triathlon, in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Plus, we held our fantastic Annual Golf Days and a hugely successful Entertainer Variety Show.

Read our October e-newsletter here.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive all things Spread a Smile directly to your inbox each month.

Half-Term Events for Families

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During October half-term, we were delighted to host two very special events for the families we support,  made possible thanks to support from our incredible supporters and partners.

A Creative Day at The LEGO Group’s London Office

On Monday 28 October, 17 families joined us at the LEGO Group’s London Office in London for a fabulous Lilo & Stitch-themed day. We’re proud to have been working with our friends from the LEGO Group for a number of years through a range of family events, volunteering opportunities and support initiatives. Families enjoyed a packed schedule of activities, including hands-on LEGO® building, arts and crafts, face painting, and magical entertainment from one of Spread a Smile’s brilliant magicians. There were also plenty of delicious treats to keep energy levels high.

It was a wonderful day of creativity and fun, with the LEGO volunteers brilliantly leading each activity and engaging with the patients and their families. It was filled with joyful, special family moments – something that can be hard to find when managing everything that comes with serious illness.

Lilo & Stitch at Everyman Cinema

Later in the week, 20 families joined us at Everyman Cinema, London for another Lilo & Stitch-themed event watching the brand-new live-action film. Before the screening, families were treated to a lively pre-screen party with magic from one of Spread a Smile’s amazing entertainers, singing, a quiz, and, of course, pizza and snacks for everyone to enjoy. The experience gave families a chance to enjoy the simple magic of a trip to the cinema – something that can often be out of reach while navigating treatment schedules and hospital stays.

We know that school holidays can add extra layers when looking after children, so our events and virtual sessions aim to support families with seriously ill children during these times, giving access to fun and distracting activities and a chance for families to make memories and spend quality time.

Our thanks to the LEGO Group for their ongoing and valuable support, helping us create such wonderfully engaging events for the families we work with. Also, to Everyman Cinema always making our VIP guests feel so welcome.

Want to receive our news directly to your inbox? Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter here.

 

 

Fundraiser of the Month: Paul Blyth

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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We’re delighted to celebrate Paul Blyth as our October Fundraiser of the Month for his incredible achievement cycling the length of Portugal on the famous N2 route – from Chaves to Faro. Over six gruelling days, Paul covered an astonishing 458 miles, climbing more than 31,700 feet – higher than Mount Everest.

Here’s what Paul had to say about his achievement:

“ Last week was the Ride Portugal N2 Chaves to Faro. 6 days, 458 miles, 31,742 feet with a riding time of 32 hours and 20 minutes. I am not going to lie, it was pretty tough, but I did train hard, and it paid off, and the added motivation of fundraising for Spread a Smile, kept the legs turning and the smile on my face. It really was the trip of a lifetime!

“It has been an absolute pleasure doing this for Spread a Smile and thank you all for your support, kind wishes, and motivational calls before the event. I am really very, very grateful!.”

A huge congratulations to Paul on completing his journey, and our deepest thanks for his hard work and incredible fundraising – raising an amazing £6,000, including funds from a quiz night and SCOR’s contribution. Thanks to this incredible support, we can continue our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children through in-person entertainer hospital visits, family events, and online sessions across our 39 NHS hospital partners.

Feeling inspired?
Why not take on your own challenge? Find out more about our upcoming Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) Triathlon Challenge, in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Charity, taking place on 12 September 2026.

 

Free will writing service

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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October marks Wills Month, a time to consider the importance of planning for the future, and Spread a Smile has teamed up with probate experts, Farewill, to provide a free will writing service for our supporters.

Writing a will provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones and ensures your wishes are honoured. It also offers a unique opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy to support a cause close to your heart.

As a charity, we receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters and partners. These contributions enable us to continue providing entertainer hospital visits, family events, art initiatives and virtual sessions – moments of happiness that make a real difference during challenging times.

Whether large or small, your gift will help us reach more children and families across the country, offering vital moments of connection and joy and spreading smiles when they are needed most. You can find out more about the families we support and the impact your gift will make here.

Start your Will making journey with us today and leave a lasting legacy to ensure Spread a Smile can continue to provide our vital services for years to come. Thank you.

 

 

 

Variety Show a sell-out success

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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Last night, we were thrilled to host our second Entertainer Variety Show at the Camden Club in London. The evening was a brilliant celebration of the incredible talent of our entertainers, who work so hard year-round to bring joy to seriously ill children and their families.

From in-person hospital visits to our 39 NHS hospital partners, to virtual visits and family events, our entertainers play a vital role in everything we do at Spread a Smile – spreading smiles where they’re needed most. This special evening was a chance to put them centre stage, to celebrate their talents and the joy they bring to others, and to share that magic with their friends and loved ones.

Guests were treated to an incredible line-up of performances, including comedy songs from Kerry, show-stopping singing from duo Ellie and Jasmin, music from Betty, Rosie and Joanna, and the vintage harmonies of The Wild Tonics. The magic continued with mind-blowing illusions from Amy, Lou, Sacha and Gary, spontaneous poetry by Judge the Poet, and an unforgettable performance from ventriloquist Chris and his cheeky sidekick, Nana. It was a night to remember, filled with so much talent and entertainment.

Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive at Spread a Smile, said: “We are so proud to have brought our second entertainer Variety Show to the Camden Club, London. It was an honour to watch our talented entertainers light up the stage and bring so much joy and wonderful to see our team and supporters come together for an uplifting evening of music, laughter and fun, all to raise vital funds to help us continue spreading smiles to seriously ill children and their families.”

A huge thank you to our amazing entertainer, Sar for being the driving force behind the event, and to our brilliant comperes, Aaron and Dov for bringing so much energy to the evening. We’re also incredibly grateful to the Camden Club for generously hosting us and helping to make the night such a success.

All proceeds from ticket sales will help us continue our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children, young people and their families and our thanks go to everyone who bought tickets, performed and joined us on the night.

Coming up next: Our Annual Comedy Night
Join us on Monday 17 November for our Comedy Night at The Comedy Store, London, hosted by Spread a Smile Ambassador Suzi Ruffell, with performances from Tom Allen, Rhys James and Harriet Kemsley. Tickets are selling fast, so book yours today.

 

Jon hall Trustee

Welcome new trustee: Jon Hall

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We are delighted to welcome Jon Hall, Group Managing Director at OSB Group, to the Spread a Smile Board of Trustees as Treasurer Trustee.

Having qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC, Jon has spent most of his Executive career in financial services, including CFO then CEO of a Building Society and as Manging Director launched a new challenger bank.

For the past 4 years, Jon has held the role of Treasurer Trustee of LittleLifts, a charity whose purpose is supporting every person affected by breast cancer in the UK, providing a free LittleLifts gift box when they start treatment.

Jon has been a corporate partner of Spread a Smile for the past 10 years including participating personally in fundraising, saying: “Having spent several years as a passionate supporter of Spread a Smile, seeing the amazing positive impact the team have on the lives of seriously ill children and their families, I’m delighted and privileged to be able to take on the role as Treasurer Trustee to support in helping the charity go from strength to strength.”

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive added, “Jon has been a wonderful friend and supporter of Spread a Smile for a number of years, and it is a pleasure to develop our relationship further and to welcome him to our Board of Trustees. Jon brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise that will no doubt have a hugely positive impact for Spread a Smile. Thank you to Jon and all of our Trustees for their commitment and support.”

Meet Spread a Smile’s Board of Trustees here.

snowdon news story

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Challenge

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Join us on 12 September 2026 for the incredible Yr Wyddfa Challenge – a triathlon set in the heart of Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), where you will venture through some of the UK’s most breath-taking landscapes by bicycle, kayak and on foot.

This unique triathlon includes:

  • A 15km cycle through the scenic roads of Snowdonia
  • A 3km kayak across the stunning glacial lake, Llyn Padarn
  • A 15km hike to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Llanberis Path

This is not your average triathlon. Set against the dramatic Welsh landscape, the Yr Wyddfa Challenge offers a memorable and meaningful way to push yourself physically, enjoy spectacular landscapes all while raising vital funds to support Spread a Smile’s work bringing joy to young patients and their families.

The event is organised by Alder Hey Children’s Charity and, for the first time ever, brings together eight children’s charities – including Spread a Smile – for a shared fundraising challenge. Spread a Smile has been supporting Alder Hey with in-person entertainer hospital visits since December 2024, and we are proud to be taking part in this special event alongside other brilliant children’s charities.

Tasha Mann, Spread a Smile Events Manager says:
“This is such an exciting opportunity and a really special triathlon. The stunning Welsh scenery, the mix of hiking, kayaking and cycling – it’s not your usual challenge event. It’s the perfect plan to have in your 2026 calendar. Do it with a partner, a friend or a colleague, and show what you’re capable of – all while raising vital funds to spread smiles to seriously ill children and their families. Whether you’ve been personally touched by our work or simply believe in the cause, absolutely everyone is welcome – and all abilities are encouraged.”

By taking part, you’ll be joining an incredible community of supporters and helping us bring joy, distraction and moments of magic to children and young people facing serious illness.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Find out more and sign up by visiting our event page.

 

Royal parks half marathon 2025 spread a smile

Team Smile takes the Royal Parks Half Marathon

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
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On Sunday 12 October, 50 incredible runners proudly represented Spread a Smile at the Royal Parks Half Marathon – one of the UK’s most-loved running events.

Our amazing #TeamSmile runners took on the 13.1-mile route through four of London’s Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens, with every step raising funds to support our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

Spread a Smile Co-Founder Vanessa Crocker, Chief Executive Officer Lucy Jackson, and members of the team were there on the day to cheer, support, and celebrate each runner’s achievement.

Tasha Mann, Spread a Smile Community Fundraising Manager, said

“To each and every person who ran for Team Smile – thank you. It was incredible to see such a brilliant group come together to raise vital funds for our work. We know how much goes into preparing for an event like this, the training, the fundraising, and the determination it takes on the day itself – and we hope you’re proud of everything you’ve achieved. You’ve helped us bring so much joy to seriously ill children and their families.”

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who trained, fundraised, and ran as part of Team Smile. Your support means a great deal and helps us reach even more children facing difficult times, and we hope you join us again for another challenge event in the future.

Feeling inspired?
Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to hear about exciting challenge events coming in 2026.