Find out about our North West Hub
https://spreadasmile.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design.png 780 400 Hannah Myers Hannah Myers https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fed07b715e69c8b6d60438635e53ede9b7f2284faa500e7724c6b74a8aedd0eb?s=96&d=mm&r=gSince expanding our service provision into the North West in 2022, Spread a Smile has been bringing joy, laughter and connection to seriously ill children and young people across the region through regular hospital visits, art initiatives and family support services.
Today, our dedicated North West Hub supports children and families at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, helping to ensure children receiving some of the most specialist treatment in the country have access to the impactful serviced Spread a Smile offers.
Every other week, our entertainers visit both hospitals, delivering personalised bedside visits filled with music, magic, storytelling, bubbles and creativity. These moments of joy provide welcome distraction from treatment, helping to reduce anxiety, combat isolation and create lasting memories for children and their families. 
Amy Berry, Visit Manager for the North West, said: “When I found out that Spread a Smile were hoping to expand their visits up north, I jumped at the chance to offer my help. Developing connections with families has been the most rewarding experience. We often see the same families on visits and seeing their faces light up when we come into the room is beautiful. For the time we’re with them, they have a chance to escape and simply be children again.”
Alongside our entertainer visits, we’re proud to support children receiving treatment at The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre, one of only two NHS Proton Beam Therapy centres in the UK treating children and young people with complex cancers . Working alongside hospital teams and the patients themselves, our artist Esther transforms radiotherapy masks into colourful, personalised works of art, helping children feel more comfortable and confident as they prepare for treatment.
Esther said: “Painting the masks is very special to me because they can look clinical and intimidating for a child. Having the masks painted with their favourite things makes them personal and comforting. For me, it’s a privilege to work with such an amazing charity and to see the smiles and joy we bring to children and families going through difficult times.”
The impact of Spread a Smile’s work is felt not only by the children and families we support, but also by the hospital teams we work alongside.
Justine Louise Makin, Play Service Manager at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Spread a Smile for the wonderful input we have received from the charity so far. The kind and generous donations have been invaluable in providing our children and young people with fun and joy during their stay in hospital. Being in hospital is difficult at any time, therefore receiving the amazing toys, activities, materials and equipment that Spread a Smile provide has really put a smile on their faces and helped towards recovery, recuperation and rehabilitation.”
As our North West Hub continues to grow, so does our ambition. We’re committed to expanding our services to reach even more seriously ill children and young people across the region, while building partnerships with local businesses, supporters and communities who share our vision of spreading smiles where they’re needed most.
You can help us achieve our aims in a number of ways:
- If your company is based in the North West and would like to make a positive impact for families with seriously ill children in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Our partnerships are engaging, unique and built on a mutual understanding of support and success. Reach out to our Partnerships Manager, Rosie Perkins to get the ball rolling – rosie@spreadasmile.org
- Donate today and help ensure we can continue to deliver our services in the North West and beyond.
- Fancy a fundraising challenge? Take a look at ideas to get involved here, or get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@spreadasmile.org to chat about your ideas and plans.
Whatever you do, you’ll be helping us reach even more seriously ill children, young people and their families during the most difficult times. Thank you.
