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Entertainer Spotlight: Sar and Elsie

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

Sar with the Guitar and Elsie the Star!

Spread a Smile’s entertainers bring joy, laughter and connection to seriously ill children and young people through music, magic, storytelling, art and therapy dogs. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our longest-serving entertainers, Sar, and her four-legged companion, Elsie.

Sar joined Spread a Smile in 2013, just six months after the charity was founded, and has been helping to spread smiles ever since.

Reflecting on her early days with the charity, Sar said: “I joined Spread a Smile in 2013, 6 months after the charity first started. It’s been incredible to see how much the charity has grown since those early days and witness first-hand the impact it has made on thousands of seriously ill children and their families over the years.”

Using music to connect with children and families has always been at the heart of Sar’s work.

“I loved the idea of using my skills playing the guitar and singing nursery rhymes to support children and families during incredibly difficult times – creating moments of joy, laughter, and normality for young people in hospital.”

Music has played an important role throughout Sar’s life. Growing up in a musical family, with both parents playing the piano, she learnt to play the guitar from the age of 12 and developed a passion for singing and amateur dramatics. Following the birth of her first child in 1997, Sar and her twin sister founded Little Stars, a music group for babies and toddlers, which they ran for 16 years.

Over the past 12 years, Sar has seen Spread a Smile grow from supporting children at one hospital to reaching thousands of children and families across the country.

“When I first joined the charity, we were only entertaining in Great Ormond Street Hospital, but even then, the heart and purpose behind the work were very clear. Over the past 12 years I have seen SAS expand into another 38 hospitals and 6 hospices, offering a wider range of services and events to the children and families we support. What has never changed is the importance of connection. A visit from the entertainers can completely change the atmosphere of a hospital room creating magical moments and memories.”

Throughout her visits, Sar has witnessed first-hand the difference that entertainment can make during difficult times.

“There have been so many memorable moments over the years. One of the most special things is seeing a child who is withdrawn and anxious suddenly light up through music, bubbles, and interaction.

I have met many families who were going through incredibly difficult times and hearing them say that a visit gave them a moment of relief, or that they haven’t seen their child smile or laugh in weeks is something I never forget.”

For Sar, the relationships built along the way are one of the most rewarding parts of being a Spread a Smile entertainer and when asked what she enjoys most about being part of Spread a Smile she says: “The people, without question. I love building connections with children, families, hospital staff and of course the other entertainers. It is incredibly rewarding to know that something as simple as music and conversation can make someone’s day a little brighter.”

Meet Elsie

Alongside her guitar, Sar is now joined by Elsie, a Maltipoo therapy dog who is already helping to spread smiles on hospital visits.

Elsie loves chicken and treats, going for walks, sleeping, spending time with her best friend Bamba and climbing onto Sar for cuddles first thing in the morning. Although Sar originally wanted to call her CeCe, her family had other ideas and Elsie now answers to a variety of nicknames including Elsielee, Else, Neesha and Snooies.

“After seeing the other gorgeous Spread a Smile therapy dogs in action, I knew Elsie would be a perfect fit for the job. Elsie has a naturally calm, gentle temperament. She is affectionate, patient, sociable and very responsive to people’s emotions. Becoming a therapy dog felt like a wonderful way for her to bring comfort and happiness to others.”

To become a therapy dog, Elsie completed a series of assessments designed to test her temperament and suitability for hospital environments.

“Elsie began her journey to becoming a pet therapy dog with an assessment in the park, where we met with a representative who asked a series of questions about her temperament and behaviour. After observing her and discussing her personality she successfully passed the assessment.

The next stage of her training took place at GOSH where she was assessed again. I walked Elsie around a ward so she could experience the hospital environment, meet patients and families. Elsie remained calm, friendly, and confident throughout, demonstrating the qualities needed to provide comfort to those in hospital.”

Together, Sar and Elsie are helping to create moments of comfort, connection and joy for children and families when they need them most.

A huge thank you to Sar and Elsie for helping us spread smiles to seriously ill children across the country.

Find out more about the Spread a Smile Appeal and become a Champion to help us spread even more smiles.

Our entertainers – Meet Storyteller Posey

 780 400 Hannah Myers
By:

Stories can transport us to new worlds, spark imagination and provide comfort during difficult times. For children spending long periods in hospital, they can also offer moments of connection, calm and normality when they are needed most.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Posey, one of Spread a Smile’s professional storytellers, who has been bringing stories, smiles and imagination to the children and families we support for almost four years.

Posey joined Spread a Smile in September 2022 and quickly found a charity whose mission perfectly aligned with her own passion for storytelling and childhood creativity.

“As a children’s storyteller, I am really passionate about the magic that stories and reading offer a child, and I love the Spread a Smile mission. It’s so simple and completely aligns with how I describe myself, which is ‘childlike, not childish’. Tapping into the joy of reading and sharing stories is something I have worked to do for nearly 30 years in a wide range of settings and roles. Offering entertainment to children in hospital is more than just giving a bit of fun – it’s the chance to let the power of imagination into your heart and mind.”

With an MA in Children’s Literature from Roehampton University and a career spanning libraries, schools and bookstores in both the UK and the United States, Posey has dedicated much of her professional life to helping children discover a love of books and stories.

Today, she delivers online storytimes, one-to-one virtual sessions and regular hospital visits for Spread a Smile, sharing stories with children of all ages. She also visits paediatric and neonatal intensive care units, where storytelling can provide valuable opportunities for connection between children and their families.

Posey has also played an important role in helping to develop Spread a Smile’s Intensive Care Library Project, which provides dedicated book libraries within NHS hospital partners for families with children receiving intensive and high dependency care.

The project aims to help families access the comfort and familiarity of reading together during long hospital stays, creating special moments of connection through stories.

“As one of the team who helped create the Intensive Care Library Project, it’s still such a privilege to walk onto a ward and see the bookcase full of books that I grew up with, or read to my own son, knowing that other parents have an easy and powerful way to connect with their own child. There’s no simpler way to express your love and connection with a baby or child than to read to them and share a story.”

Storytelling is increasingly recognised as an important part of supporting children’s emotional wellbeing in hospital. Research has shown that reading and storytelling can help reduce anxiety, fear and stress, while improving mood, sleep and overall wellbeing. Stories can also help children process difficult experiences, understand medical procedures and maintain a sense of childhood during treatment.

“There’s an increasing body of evidence demonstrating how storytelling and reading can have a significant positive impact on seriously ill children in hospital. Some studies have even found measurable biological benefits, such as lower stress hormone levels and increased feelings of comfort and connection, so when I say there’s science behind the power of listening to a story, it’s true.”

Throughout her time with Spread a Smile, Posey has seen first-hand the difference that stories can make to children and families.

“There’s a family who regularly join my virtual storytimes because they tell me how much my voice soothes and relaxes their daughter, which is a huge compliment for a child who lives primarily in a medical setting. Other parents share how much fun I am, and how their child now reads or asks for books to be read using my same silly voices and expressions. And of course, meeting brand new babies in the NICU and having the privilege of reading them their first-ever story just makes my heart sing.”

For Posey, being a storyteller at Spread a Smile is about far more than simply reading words on a page.

“Books is too obvious an answer, because my role with Spread a Smile is more than just reading words on a page – it’s bringing stories to life, to children who need them, in a way that provides them with exactly the right kind of entertainment. That’s what really sets Spread a Smile apart – everyone is so intuitive and focused on being exactly what a child or baby needs at a particular point in time. The work never feels like work – it’s just the very best way to try to make a child’s world a better place for even a few minutes.”

A huge thank you to Posey for helping children and families find comfort, connection and joy through the power of storytelling.

To find out more about our work, please click here.

Variety Show a sell-out success

 780 400 Gabrielle Devine
By:

Last night, we were thrilled to host our second Entertainer Variety Show at the Camden Club in London. The evening was a brilliant celebration of the incredible talent of our entertainers, who work so hard year-round to bring joy to seriously ill children and their families.

From in-person hospital visits to our 39 NHS hospital partners, to virtual visits and family events, our entertainers play a vital role in everything we do at Spread a Smile – spreading smiles where they’re needed most. This special evening was a chance to put them centre stage, to celebrate their talents and the joy they bring to others, and to share that magic with their friends and loved ones.

Guests were treated to an incredible line-up of performances, including comedy songs from Kerry, show-stopping singing from duo Ellie and Jasmin, music from Betty, Rosie and Joanna, and the vintage harmonies of The Wild Tonics. The magic continued with mind-blowing illusions from Amy, Lou, Sacha and Gary, spontaneous poetry by Judge the Poet, and an unforgettable performance from ventriloquist Chris and his cheeky sidekick, Nana. It was a night to remember, filled with so much talent and entertainment.

Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive at Spread a Smile, said: “We are so proud to have brought our second entertainer Variety Show to the Camden Club, London. It was an honour to watch our talented entertainers light up the stage and bring so much joy and wonderful to see our team and supporters come together for an uplifting evening of music, laughter and fun, all to raise vital funds to help us continue spreading smiles to seriously ill children and their families.”

A huge thank you to our amazing entertainer, Sar for being the driving force behind the event, and to our brilliant comperes, Aaron and Dov for bringing so much energy to the evening. We’re also incredibly grateful to the Camden Club for generously hosting us and helping to make the night such a success.

All proceeds from ticket sales will help us continue our work spreading smiles to seriously ill children, young people and their families and our thanks go to everyone who bought tickets, performed and joined us on the night.

Coming up next: Our Annual Comedy Night
Join us on Monday 17 November for our Comedy Night at The Comedy Store, London, hosted by Spread a Smile Ambassador Suzi Ruffell, with performances from Tom Allen, Rhys James and Harriet Kemsley. Tickets are selling fast, so book yours today.

 

Our entertainers – meet Collette

 780 400 Susie
By:

Spread a Smile’s talented team of entertainers put the ‘smile’ in Spread a Smile and include musicians, singers, magicians, performers, artists, poets, balloon modellers and therapy dogs. Each one is incredibly skilled, able to use their talents to bring a little bit of joy to seriously ill children and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Collette has been with Spread a Smile since the charity was founded in 2013. Originally one of our entertainers, today Collette is a Visit Manager, entertainer and a much loved and recognised member of the team, leading regular visits to our hospital and hospice partners and part of our 100-strong entertainer team.

Collette said, “I originally met Spread a Smile Co-Founder, Josephine, when I was performing at a gig for her husband’s birthday. She told me that she and her friend Vanessa were starting the charity and asked if I would come on board as a singer to help entertain children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Naturally I jumped at the chance.

“In those early days, I was one of five entertainers who joined Josephine and Vanessa twice a month to visit children and young people receiving treatment at GOSH. Along with brilliant talents such as Mr Magic and Judge the Poet, we would bring music, singing, magic, poetry and fun onto the wards. The fact that all three of us still work for the charity to this day is a testament to the wonderful organisation that Josephine and Vanessa have created.

“At the time, there was nothing really like what Spread a Smile was offering to our hospital partners. We would receive so much positive feedback from patients, families and staff alike, telling us what a breath of fresh air we were and how we were helping to bring some light and happiness during some really difficult times for children on the wards. We all knew really early on how important Spread a Smile’s work was and it was easy to see how this drove Josephine and Vanessa on to grow the charity and reach even more young people in even more hospital settings.

“I have learnt so much working for Spread a Smile, as a person, singer and entertainer. To be able to use something I love to bring joy to others is huge and every day I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to help make a difference. We work really hard to make sure our visits and interactions are tailored to each child’s needs. Our fairies bring so much joy to the younger children we meet for example and our team includes magicians that appeal to a range of ages. As a singer, I often receive wildly different requests for songs, from Disney to the latest Number 1, so it’s important to stay up to date with what’s out there and what’s popular. Talking about music is always a great conversation starter and it focuses in on the child straight away. It’s about what they like and want to hear and let’s them know that we are there just for them. The children are the ones making the decisions for a change which is really important when they are dealing with serious illness as a lot of autonomy around day-to-day life and childhood experiences can be lost.

“I am lucky to work with some incredibly talented entertainers (now friends) and every day I see the difference music, magic or distraction of any kind can make to a child in hospital. It can help to break up long hours and days of boredom in hospital or provide a much needed distraction from pain and the worries of illness and treatments. As entertainers, we are a friendly face when it’s needed most.  

“Knowing that the children and also staff in hospital look forward to our visits means so much. Being a Spread a Smile entertainer is one of the most valuable things I will ever do, and I am proud to continue to be part of this wonderful charity.”

To find out more about our work, please click here.

Louise Spread a Smile entertainer

Meet entertainer Louise

 780 400 Susie
By:

Louise is one of our entertainers, sharing her many skills as a balloon artist, magician, face painter and children’s entertainer. She has worked with Spread a Smile for two years and is best known for the amazing bespoke balloon models she creates for the children and young people she meets.

How did you start working for Spread a Smile?

Louise Spread a Smile entertainer“I’ve been a children’s entertainer for 20 years, and love everything about my work; the joy it brings people, the fun I share with everyone, and the wonderful teams and people I have the pleasure of working with. I feel incredibly lucky to earn a living from something that brings so much happiness.

“I initially started working for a party franchise as the face painter and balloon modeller and over my time with them, I trained up to become a senior entertainer, fully running their parties and events. I enjoyed it so much, that I eventually set up my own party business and am still loving every second.

“I’ve always included balloon modelling as part of my shows, but started researching balloon art in more detail. I arranged to meet with a local balloon artist and started to attend balloon art learning events and conventions. Since then, I have won many awards for my balloon art, and taken part in special events with some of the best balloon artists in the world.

“Both of my twins have additional needs, and I have worked as a support assistant in two special needs schools. My personal journey has given me lots of experience working with and getting to know lots of children, young people and families, with all sorts of diversities.

“When a friend and colleague asked if he could put me forward to work with Spread a Smile, I was over the moon. The Spread a Smile entertainers are the best and I felt honoured to even be considered. The charity stands for everything my heart loves about my job, and I can relate to how important it is to provide a positive distraction from every day difficulties and challenged. I knew it was something I would love to be part of.

Tell us about your work for Spread a Smile

“I joined Spread a Smile during lockdown in Summer 2020, initially doing magic shows over Zoom until hospitals allowed us back to visit in person. I then started to make bespoke balloon sculptures for children to keep.

Louise Spread a Smile entertainer The Hulk“When I meet a patient, I invite them to ask for a balloon sculpture they would like. I have a ‘menu’ of ideas to inspire them such as spiderman, a mermaid, unicorn, dinosaur, princess, tiger etc, but I am open to trying anything and often suggest they challenge me with an idea! This usually builds the excitement as they begin to think of something they think would be impossible to make. I always take on the challenge, and there aren’t many things I haven’t had a go at making.

“I’m so proud of my work as a Spread a Smile entertainer. We bring distraction and fun for patients and families who spend so much time bored, stuck in hospital, with very little to do, meeting medical professionals and having serious conversations. The entertainers come along with a completely different and new energy, helping people to escape that “hospital feeling” – even if it’s for a short while. We try to make the children we meet feel special, and I love the fact that they get to keep the balloon models and hopefully it will make them smile for days to come.

“It’s brilliant to see the wonder on a child’s face as a simple balloon or two is transformed into something special that they have requested. The parents and carers love it too – it’s a moment of escape where they can forget the severity of what is happening to them.

Tell us about your most unusual requests for balloon models
Balloon model“I’ve had some brilliant requests on my hospital visits, with some of the most memorable including a hedgehog and an axolotl. I make a lot of favourite footballers, Mr Tumble and Elsa. I’ve made balloon versions of favourite toys or pets as a lot of children are missing their pets, so they show me a photo and I build them a balloon version of their cat, dog, rabbit or guinea pig, so that it matches perfectly. I’ve even been asked to make a sculpture of one of the nurses on a ward!”

What about your balloon modelling online workshops

“Balloon modelling workshops are so much fun! Each participant is sent their own pack of modelling balloons and a pump in the post, and I start by teaching the children how to inflate their balloon safely with the right amount of air. Then we learn how to easily tie a knot. We often start with something like a balloon dog, then move onto an advanced flower with one balloon for the petals, and another one for the stem and the leaves. We make sure that we send out lots of spare balloons so that everyone can practice what they have learnt. It’s great to know we can reach even more seriously ill children and their siblings who may be isolating at home and not able to get out and about.”

Why do you do what you do?
“I love the reactions from parents, children, and even the hospital staff.  Quite often they watch me putting something together and have no idea what it will turn into, or they can’t imagine how I could possibly make their wild request from balloons. When it all comes together, the joy and reaction is my favourite part. I love how happy people are to receive a balloon sculpture of something they love. I always say “Can your balloon hang out with you for the day now? Will you let them watch TV with you? Or play your game together?” They always say yes, with a big grin, often hugging their new balloon friend. It brings me so much joy to give something so cherished.

“It’s really special to see the same patients again on my return visits and hear how long their balloon lasted and see photos of what we’ve made together before. One patient has a photo scrap book of all the balloons I’ve made her on each visit. She always plans what she’d like to ask for on my next visit. It’s so lovely for the children and families to have some positive and happy memories of their time in hospital, and I love that we can bring that for them.”

To help ensure entertainers like Louise can continue to spread smiles to seriously ill children and young people, please donate here. Thank you.

Frozen - the Musical

Frozen, Terrible Thames and more

 780 400 Susie
By:

We know that everyone in a family is deeply affected by the illness of a child or sibling. Which is why Spread a Smile organises outings, events and activities that aim to support young patients, their parents, carers and siblings and bring moments of respite, joyful experiences and enduring memories at the most challenging of times.

The last few months have been packed full of some wonderful Spread a Smile family outings and events, from West End theatre trips to cooking lessons and boat trips. Read on to find out more.

Frozen, the Musical

Frozen - the Musical“Absolutely no words to say how grateful we are for this afternoon – an incredible show! All thanks to you and your ever so fab team.” Parent

We’re so happy to know that our theatre trips really make a difference to those we support. They are a chance for our families to see shows they might not be able to afford and sit back and escape into the wonder of theatre.

Last month we took 14 families to see Frozen – The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London – and what a day it was! Our pre-show party was packed full of yummy treats, face-painting, glitter tattoos, entertainment and singing from Fairy Betty, Fairy Jude and Colette and magic from our Magicians Sacha and Paul. Then none other than Elsa and Anna came to say hello to our special guests – helping to create some incredible memories for everyone involved.

Brigit’s Bakery Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigits BakeryIt was a pleasure to welcome 14 of the families we support on board the double-decker bus for a Paddington-themed afternoon tea featuring ‘the best marmalade sandwich ever’! Guests enjoyed entertainment from Spread a Smile’s Mr Magic and entertainer Ellie whilst driving around London and taking in some of its famous landmarks. One guest said,

“You don’t know how much these events mean to us. They really help us through the hard times.”

 

Underground Cookery School

Underground Cookery SchoolSince October 2022, we’ve been running special cookery days at Underground Cookery School in partnership with Teens Unite Fighting Cancer. Together we welcome young people affected by serious illness to learn how to cook a delicious 2-course meal before sitting down together to enjoy the meal they have prepared.

They are fun filled days which provide a relaxed opportunity for the young people to learn new skills

and a chance to connect and share their experiences in a safe environment whilst simply being a teenager amongst other teenagers.

“I wanted to thank you again. In addition to the cooking itself, we got a lot out of the day in terms of being able to speak with other parents and kids that have been through the same treatment. Thank you!”

“Thank you so much – we had such a wonderful day and really enjoyed ourselves. We loved having the opportunity to learn some amazing skills from the team at Underground Cookery School – to meet new friends and forget about illness for a short while. It means so much.”

We’re so grateful to everyone who makes these days possible, including theatre staff, cast and crew, Brigit’s Bakery, Lola’s Cupckares, NuNosh, Underground Cookery School and all of our volunteers who support us at the events. Team work definitely makes the dream work.

Please help ensure we can continue to provide support our families with special moments like these by making a donation. Thank you.

Tasha - Spread a Smile entertainer

Meet Visit Manager Tasha

 780 400 Susie
By:

The Spread a Smile team of entertainers is at the heart of everything we do spreading smiles to seriously ill children and young people across our NHS hospital and hospice partners. We spoke to Tasha, one of our Visit Managers about her role with Spread a Smile.

“I have been working in theatre for 10 years now and am a singer and Visit Manager for Spread a Smile.

“I came to start working for the charity after hearing about them through a friend who already worked there. Being an Auntie to 7 little ones, I love kids and it sounded like an incredible thing to be part of. 

“Singing is my favorite thing to do and it’s a huge privilege to be able to use this to bring joy to children  and their families during some of their most challenging times. I remember singing to a little girl who didn’t speak any English but sang along with me to ‘Let it Go!’ Her Mum told me that her daughter hadn’t smiled much in weeks and suddenly there we were laughing together. We performed to her Grandparents over zoom from her hospital room and it was a memorable experience which I’m sure none of us will forget.

“Taking part in the TCS London Marathon was a huge moment for me. I started running during Covid when I was no longer able to perform and had a lot of time on my hands! When I got a place in the ballot I saw it as an amazing opportunity to raise some money for a charity where I see first hand just the enormous difference that’s being made.

“The marathon was extremely difficult, but the atmosphere and support was incredible. When I was struggling along the way, I just thought about some of the amazingly strong kids I have met through Spread a Smile and it kept me going! 

“I think often the most special part of what we do is seeing the parents’ reaction when they see their child simply being a child again – laughing and having fun. I love being part of the Spread a Smile team and everyone is so supportive with one common goal: to use what we do to bring as much joy as possible to those who need it most.”

To support Tasha’s work spreading smiles in hospitals and beyond, please donate here. Thank you.