Chief executive

We are delighted and proud to announce that Spread a Smile’s Chief Executive, Lucy Jackson has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2026 Third Sector Awards, ‘Charity Chief Executive’ category.

The Third Sector Awards are the largest awards celebration for the not-for-profit sector in the UK, designed to honour charities, agencies, and individuals who make a significant impact on communities and society.

Paul Godfrey, Spread a Smile’s Chair of Trustees, nominated Lucy for the Award, saying, “Since joining Spread a Smile in February 2017 and becoming Chief Executive in December 2017, Lucy has transformed a small volunteer-led charity into a nationally recognised organisation that delivers joy, connection and emotional support to tens of thousands of seriously ill children, young people and family members every year.

“Under her leadership, annual income has grown from £250,000 to more than £2 million and has been sustained at that level for the past three years. She has built a professional team of 30 staff, introduced robust finance, HR, governance and safeguarding systems, expanded the charity’s reach from four NHS hospitals to 39 and grown its network of entertainers to 110, enabling hospital partnerships and bedside visits to increase year after year.

“Lucy is a transformational Chief Executive whose natural ability to build relationships, inspire confidence and communicate a compelling vision has driven sustainable growth. Over the last 12 months she has continued to lead the charity’s fundraising function, helping secure more than £2 million in income, developing innovative industry partnerships and launching a major research partnership with Innovate UK and the University of Essex. She has strengthened the charity’s national profile through media appearances and engagement with MPs.

“Her leadership is reflected in measurable outcomes: 100% of healthcare professionals say Spread a Smile improves the hospital experience, 99% report a positive impact on patients’ mental health and wellbeing and 92% of parents say visits reduce anxiety, transforming lives daily.”

Lucy – we salute you and thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are an inspirational leader who has made a huge impact for Spread a Smile and the families we support.

The awards will be announced in a ceremony at London Hilton Park Lane on Friday 11 September and we wish Lucy all the best.