Family Events – May roundup
https://spreadasmile.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/family.png 780 400 Hannah Myers Hannah Myers https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fed07b715e69c8b6d60438635e53ede9b7f2284faa500e7724c6b74a8aedd0eb?s=96&d=mm&r=gThroughout May, Spread a Smile hosted a series of special family events, giving seriously ill children and their families the opportunity to step away from treatment and hospital appointments to enjoy quality time together, make happy memories and simply have fun.
From a magical trip to see The Lion King in London’s West End to a fun-filled cinema outing during half-term, each event was designed to create moments of joy, connection and togetherness for the families we support.
On Wednesday 13 May, families joined Spread a Smile at the Lyceum Theatre in London for a special performance of The Lion King.
Before the show, families enjoyed a pre-theatre party with pizza, Lola’s Cupcakes and entertainment from our Spread a Smile team. Mr Magic brought plenty of laughter and amazement with his brilliant tricks, Rosie led singalongs featuring Lion King classics, and Marta added extra sparkle with her face painting before families headed into the theatre for the performance.
Following the show, families also had the chance to meet members of the cast, making the day even more memorable.
Karen, mum of Max, shared: “It was so special – Max and I will treasure it always. It was just a dream to do something special with Max after all he has been through. Also, for Max and the other children to be treated like the VIPs that they are.”
Jo, mum of Etta, added: “Etta loved absolutely every single second of it – particularly the wonderful magician who she thought was hilarious. You guys are fantastic, a lifelong, complex medical condition doesn’t really bring many benefits to a family but getting to do things with spread a smile is most definitely a wonderful positive from a rubbish situation. We think you are all fabulous and thank you for giving us the opportunity to come along.”
Later in the month for half-term, we welcomed 51 children and family members to Everyman Cinema in King’s Cross for a screening of Zootropolis 2.
Families enjoyed a fun-packed afternoon complete with magic, music and plenty of delicious treats including popcorn, pizza, sweets and Lola’s Cupcakes before settling down together to enjoy the film.
One parent shared afterwards: “Thank you so much for yesterday, was such a wonderful time and was Albie’s first time at the cinema so thank you for making that happen. Thanks for all your support and amazing work you guys do once again!”
Ellie Walker, Head of Family Events at Spread a Smile, said:
“This is exactly why we create these days – to spread smiles, give families a chance to pause, and let children simply be children. Seeing families connect and share these moments together is incredibly special.”
Alongside these family outings, May also saw Spread a Smile host its annual memorial event, A Time To Remember supporting families who have experienced the loss of a child and ensuring they continue to feel supported and connected as part of the Spread a Smile community.
A huge thank you to those who helped make our May family events possible, including Clarksons, Disney, Everyman Cinema and Lola’s Cupcakes.
If you are a family with a seriously ill children who would like to find out more about our events, please email smile@spreadasmile.org – thank you.
and share their experiences in a safe environment whilst simply being a teenager amongst other teenagers.
to the fun. Often these afternoons enable children and young people going through treatment for serious illness to meet other families in similar situations. To see the smiles and relaxation makes everything we do worthwhile.