Posts Tagged :

challenge

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.

The National Three Peaks Challenge

 1024 768 Gabrielle Devine
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We’re delighted that Team Smile has successfully completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Britain’s three highest peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – in 24 hours and raising thousands of pounds to help spread smiles to seriously ill children and young people.

Spread a smile challenge group Three peaks

The adventure kicked off on a Friday morning with a long drive from Chester to the Scottish Highlands, arriving at the foot of Ben Nevis in time to begin the first ascent at 5am. The weather was unfortunately not on our side, with heavy rain making the terrain even more challenging and our guide reporting it to be the worst conditions he’d seen all year.

Following a safe descent, the team hopped back on the bus for Scafell Pike in the Lake District, climbing England’s highest Peak in the evening and finally making it back down after midnight. It was then straight back on the road, driving through the night to Wales and arriving to start the final climb to summit of Snowdon at 5am.

Considering the weather conditions, lack of sleep and demanding nature of the challenge, the team were tested both physically and mentally, covering 3,400 meters of altitude and showing huge strength and commitment to the challenge and Spread a Smile.

We are so proud of them all for joining us for this incredible fundraiser which saw, members of the Spread a Smile team, join together with some of our corporate partners, supporters and family recipients come together for an experience they will never forget.

Three Peaks hiking challenge charity fundraiser“I will remember this weekend for a long time to come. Walking alongside a brilliant group of people, all pushing themselves physically to keep taking the next step, even in the driving rain and dark, was truly inspiring. Knowing the difference our effort will make to families supported by Spread a Smile made it 100% worthwhile.”  Laura Walter, Spread a Smile Director of Services

Thank you to Abbey, Amy, Becca, Chloe, Dave, Fiona, Graham, Jo, Kirsteen, Laura, Priya, Alice & Freddie. Also to Charity Challenge for expertly guiding us in the lead up and during the challenge. We really appreciate all of your efforts and for going the extra mile to raise vital funds to spread smiles to seriously ill children, young people and their families.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our fundraising challenges to find an event to suit you, be it a Tough Mudder, Inflatable Obstacle Course or the Vitality 10k Run.

Three Peaks Challenge Discount

 780 400 Susie
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Join us for our National Three Peaks Challenge from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025 and save 50% off the registration fee if you sign up by 31 January using our exclusive SMILE50 discount code.

Get ready for a fast-paced and physically challenging adventure, as you take on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales: Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) (1,085m).

Over the course of two days, you will trek around 26 miles and ascend to a total height of almost 3,000m. This is a serious and tough challenge which requires a good level of fitness, as well as plenty of grit and determination. Ultimately, however, your hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views and a huge sense of achievement. Plus you’ll be raising vital funds to help spread smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

You can find the full itinerary and details here or email Rimi at rimi@spreadasmile.org to chat about what’s involved.

New year, new challenge

 780 400 Susie
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As we head into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to take on your next challenge and make a meaningful difference.

Whether you’re looking to push your limits in fitness, bring your team together for a memorable adventure, or tick off a personal goal, we’ve got an event for you. Check out our challenges page here for inspiration or why not take on…

London Landmarks 2023You can also find a full list of exciting marathons and half marathons around the country here. And enjoy 50% off the registration fee for our Three Peaks Challenge when you sign up by 31 January. (Using the code SMILE50).

Every penny you raise will bring joy to children facing serious illnesses, creating moments of happiness when they’re needed most.

Make this year one to remember. The challenge starts with YOU.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact rimi@spreadasmile.org.

The Wandering Barber’s rickshaw challenge

 780 400 Susie
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At the end of November, David Jamali aka ‘The Wandering Barber’ took on an incredible fundraising challenge for Spread a Smile and HoH Charitable Trust (Hand on Heart), travelling 3000km across India in a rickshaw.

David raised over £4,000 in the process saying, “This journey is not just about the adventure; it’s about making a difference. I am raising funds for two remarkable charities which are close to my heart, and I have had the privilege of supporting them through my work as a barber.

“Spread a Smile do incredible work bringing joy and laughter to seriously ill children and their families during some of their darkest times. They organise visits from entertainers, therapy dogs, and even magicians to hospitals and hospices, creating precious moments of happiness. I have had the honour of cutting hair for terminally ill children, witnessing firsthand the positive impact of Spread a Smile’s efforts.”

As a charity that relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to carry out its work spreading smiles to seriously ill children and young people, everyone at Spread a Smile is extremely grateful to David for his efforts and support.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile’s Chief Executive said, “David really has gone that extra mile through his fundraising efforts, taking on a brilliant and inspiring challenge. We can’t thank him enough for his support.”

If you would like to find out more about taking on a fundraising challenge for Spread a Smile, please email the team at fundraising@spreadasmile.org or visit our fundraising pages here.

Fundraisers from Once in a Lifetime Holidays raising vital funds to help spread smiles to seriously ill children.

Fundraising to support children like Isaac

 780 400 Susie
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We’re so grateful to every one of our fundraisers who do so much to help raise funds to ensure we can continue spreading smiles to the families we support.

Recently Once in a Lifetime Holidays chose to fundraise to help spread smiles through a challenge packed tour of Europe, with a little boy called Isaac as their motivation, raising £1,355 so far.

“In June 2020 Isaac aged 3 was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. He spent many months during COVID in Great Ormond Street Hospital with only one of his parents allowed to be present. The two of them were isolated from the outside world, facing the most terrifying ordeal. Isaac underwent operations, chemotherapy and stem cell therapy and his care was excellent, however it was the team at Spread a Smile that really brought a smile to his gorgeous face at the most awful time.

“Isaac is the most amazing young boy, and his mum is nothing short of a superhero and we wanted to raise money to help other children and families smile during these very difficult times.

“So, the Team at Once in a Lifetime Holidays along with several other colleagues from the travel industry decided to take on a tour of Europe, undertaking challenges and events enroute to raise as much money as possible for Spread a Smile.

“Seeing Isaac smile is a gift, and we hope to help Spread a Smile spread even more smiles to seriously ill children and their families as well.”

Thank you to everyone at Once in a Lifetime Holidays and their colleagues for supporting Spread a Smile and children like Isaac. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

If you have a fundraising idea and would like to help spread smiles, please email Tasha at tasha@spreadasmile.org – we’re here for you every step of the way. Or visit our Support Us pages for inspiration.