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brain tumour

Family event with The Brain Tumour Charity

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On Saturday 1 February, Spread a Smile and The Brain Tumour Charity joined forces to host a wonderful family event for young patients affected by a brain tumour, along with their families.

This was the first event of its kind, taking place at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, with 60 guests joining us for a day full of fun activities and entertainment, with the aim of bringing together families going through some of the most difficult times in a shared, positive experience.

Ellen Walker, Head of Family events said, “It was a pleasure to welcome so many families supported by Spread a Smile and The Brain Tumour Charity for a such a wonderful day together. It was so lovely to see everyone chatting and sharing their experiences, knowing that the other family knew exactly what they were going through.”

Spread a Smile entertainers, including magicians, fairies, balloon modellers and more, were on hand to join in the fun, with so much for everyone to enjoy including magic shows with Makaton, singing, arts and crafts, face painting and music quizzes.

Our friends from Brigits Bakery provided gorgeous afternoon tea boxes for the children and young people, alongside delicious cupcakes from the brilliant Lola’s Cupcakes. The adults were not left out and were treated to lovely sandwich platters and snacks.

Clare Jackson, Support Manager for The Brain Tumour Charity said, “We are so pleased to have worked with Spread a Smile to offer this event to families within our community. It was brilliant to bring so many families together for a fun filled day, whilst providing the opportunity to connect with others who understand.” 

The room was filled with laughter and smiles and we would like to say a huge thank you to all our guests for joining us. Also to The Brain Tumour Charity for their hard work in making the day such a success and Brigits Bakery and Lola’s Cupcakes for their support.

Jacob’s wish

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We’ve been supporting Jacob since we met him in hospital whilst he was receiving treatment for a brain tumour. Mum Donna told us, “We were in one Friday and met one of the lovely Spread a Smile artists who created a beautiful sign for him to go on his box for all his hospital playthings. Jacob loves Rubik’s cubes so the artist drew his name on it with a Rubik’s cube, which he loved. We also met a balloon modeller who made him a Rubik’s cube out of balloons. She said she’d never made one before, but she did a brilliant job and he thought it was fantastic.

“After that Jacob would look forward to going into UCLH every Friday as he knew he would see the Spread a Smile team. It helped him get through the week. Even though it was the worst time of my life, if you ask Jacob, he will say it was the best time because of Spread a Smile. He looks back at that time at UCLH so fondly and they helped him deal with what he was going through and find a routine within it which was so important.”

Jacob is doing well and has regular MRIs to keep an eye on his brain. He said, “Spread a Smile are really COOL! I love the magicians and the dog that came in was really cute. I met a guy that made up poems and he made up one about my Auntie and Cousin coming to visit. It was so brilliant.”

Recently we were honoured to support Jacob’s wish with the charity Make a Wish, which provides wishes for children with critical illnesses. Jacob’s wish involved visiting the team at UCLH where he received treatment, for a party with Spread a Smile entertainers. Mr Magic and Collette from Spread a Smile joined in the fun helping to spread smiles and provide a party to remember for Jacob. It was such a special day for us all, making us proud to think of the impact we’ve made for Jacob and his family.

Donna said, “Spread a Smile has given us so much. Everyone is so awesome. A lot of people have helped us through this awful time but Spread a Smile has helped us both more than anyone. They were there for us at the worst of times in hospital and to this day as well. I’ve felt so supported and less isolated and that means so much.” 

To make a donation to help ensure we can continue to support children and young people like Jacob, please click here.