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Children with Cancer UK

Noah’s story

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Today, for National Siblings Day, we are sharing the special story of Noah and his twin sister Naima. Noah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in May 2022. At the time, he was only two years old.

Read Noah’s story

During long periods of intense treatment, everyday moments of togetherness became vital for both Noah and Naima. Serious illness impacts the whole family, especially siblings who often face time apart. Spread a Smile began visiting Noah at his bedside at Great Ormond Street Hospital in July 2022. Our entertainers sang his favourite songs to bring a sense of normality back to their lives.

Noah and Naima’s mum, Dilly, shared what these visits meant for their family:

“Spread a Smile give Noah and Naima time to laugh, have fun and enjoy themselves together. When I see that, I am also able to laugh and relax. I can just enjoy being with them in that moment.”

We are proud to partner with Children with Cancer UK to bring joy to seriously ill children and their siblings across the country. Together, we bring joy through in-person and virtual entertainer visits across NHS hospitals. Our partnership also provides wonderful family events, including our magical Summer and Winter parties.

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Children with Cancer UK joins visit to GOSH

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Gavin Maggs, Chief Executive of our partner Children with Cancer UK, joined the Spread a Smile team on a special visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in November this year.

Gavin spent time with Spread a Smile Chief Executive Lucy Jackson, along with one of our magicians and Fairy Becca, meeting patients and families across the wards, sharing laughter and joy and handing out the brand-new Children with Cancer UK mascot, Corry the teddy bear.

Corry was inspired by nine-year-old Olivia, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at 17 months old, leaving her blind. Her teddy bear Corry has been by her side during her ongoing cancer journey. A symbol of comfort and hope, Corry acts as a reminder that no child should face cancer alone

Children with Cancer UK have been supporting Spread a Smile since 2023, providing vital funding to support our hospital visits and family events. Gavin’ visit was a wonderful opportunity for him to see first-hand the difference Children with Cancer UK are helping to make for seriously ill children and young people with cancer across our NHS hospital partners.

Both charities share a strong commitment to supporting children and young people during illness. By working together, we can reach even more families, ensuring that laughter and positivity remain part of every child’s hospital journey.

Lucy Jackson said, “We were delighted to welcome Gavin for our visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital to see our entertainers in action and show just how valuable our work is spreading smiles to seriously ill children in hospital. It’s thanks to partners such as Children with Cancer UK that we’re able to deliver our services – from entertainer visits in hospitals, to special outings and events for young patients and their families, virtual sessions and more. Thank you to Gavin and the team at Children with Cancer UK for their ongoing support and commitment to spreading smiles when they are needed most.”

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