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Trustee

Honouring our Co-Founder, Josephine Segal

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Our Co-Founder and Trustee, Josephine Segal, has decided to step back from her role on the Board of Spread a Smile and from her regular day-to-day involvement in the charity. While this has been a difficult decision for Josephine, it is one that comes with confidence in the strength of Spread a Smile today and optimism for its future.

Spread a Smile was founded out of Josephine’s deeply personal response to her nephew Aaron’s illness. Together with Co-Founder Vanessa Crocker, she transformed that experience into something remarkable – a charity that now brings laughter, joy and comfort to thousands of seriously ill children and their families each year. The values Josephine and Vanessa set from the very beginning – compassion, professionalism, respect, empathy and warmth – remain at the heart of everything we do.

Josephine herself reflects: “What began as a deeply personal response to my nephew Aaron’s illness has grown into something truly remarkable. Spread a Smile will forever be in my heart and I look forward to following its journey with pride. As I step away after 13 years, I want to thank my darling nephew Aaron, his brothers and family who inspired Spread a Smile, my Co-Founder Vanessa, family, friends, Trustees, team, entertainers, volunteers, supporters, hospital partners and most importantly the children and families who welcomed us into their lives during such difficult times.”

From 30 September, Josephine will take on the honorary role of Lifetime President of Spread a Smile, a title that celebrates her extraordinary contribution and ensures she will always remain part of our story. Although she will no longer hold formal responsibility as a Trustee, Josephine will continue to be a cherished presence, following our journey with pride and love.

Vanessa will remain closely involved as Co-Founder and Trustee, continuing to bring her passion and vision. Josephine’s husband, Richard Segal, will also continue as a valued Trustee, helping guide the charity forward.

We are incredibly grateful for all that Josephine has given – her love, her heart and her vision. Spread a Smile simply would not be what it is today without her. Though we will miss her daily presence, we step forward with optimism, inspired by the legacy she leaves and the bright future ahead.

Farewell and thank you to Louise Jacobs

 780 400 Susie
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We are saying a heartfelt thank you and fond farewell to our wonderful trustee, Louise Jacobs, who has stepped down from the Board after 8 incredible years of service.

Louise joined Spread a Smile in July 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the charity and corporate sectors, alongside a deep passion for improving the lives of children and families. Her commitment, energy and insight have been invaluable as we’ve grown and evolved as a charity.

During her time as a trustee, Louise helped guide us through a period of significant transformation, including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the expansion of our hospital partnerships, and the development of our new strategy. She has been a thoughtful, generous and compassionate presence on our Board, always keeping the children and young people we support at the heart of every decision.

Louise said, “I have been inspired every day by the dedication of the team and the joy they bring to children and families facing unimaginably difficult times. It has been a privilege to play a small part in helping to grow this remarkable charity and I will continue to champion its work wherever I can.”

Louise brought warmth, wisdom, experience and a great sense of humour to the boardroom, and a genuine belief in the power of joy and human connection, values that are at the very core of Spread a Smile.

Paul Godfrey, Chair of Trustees, said: “Louise has been a truly outstanding trustee: insightful, committed, and always guided by compassion. Her contributions have shaped key moments in our charity’s journey and her voice has been one of strength and kindness throughout. On behalf of the Board and the whole Spread a Smile family, I want to thank her sincerely for everything she’s given us.”

While we will miss Louise’s leadership and presence on the Board, she will always remain a cherished member of the Spread a Smile family and we look forward to welcoming her back to support our family events and hospital visits.

From all of us – staff, fellow trustees, entertainers, volunteers and families – thank you, Louise, for helping us to spread so many smiles over the past 8 years.

To find out more about our Board of Trustees, please take a look here.

Welcome to our new Trustee: Sanjiv Patel

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We are delighted to welcome Sanjiv Patel, CEO of Westgate Healthcare to the Spread a Smile Board of Trustees.

Sanjiv has spent two decades working in the NHS, with a clinical background as a Consultant Anaesthetist at UCLH and has supported Spread a Smile for a number of years as part of our Medical Committee.

Sanjiv currently serves as a Trustee of both Spread a Smile and Noah’s Ark Hospice, bringing a unique blend of clinical insight and commercial acumen to the charitable sector. He said: “It’s an honour to join the Spread a Smile Board of Trustees and I hope to utilise my dual perspective to support Spread a Smile’s mission to enhance the experience and wellbeing of children undergoing serious medical treatment. I am a passionate advocate for integrating emotional and psychosocial support into healthcare delivery and I believe strongly in the vital role charities play in bridging gaps across the health and care system. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to play as a Trustee to support this brilliant charity’s mission.”

Sanjiv has built a career that bridges medical practice with strategic leadership in the social care and health sectors, most recently with Westgate Healthcare, a growing care group delivering residential, nursing, dementia, and rehabilitation services across London and the home counties. Under his leadership, Westgate Healthcare has grown significantly, now operating ten care homes with over 600 beds and further developments underway. He has also spearheaded diversification into the hospitality sector, reflecting his interest in innovation, enhancing care environments, and sustainable growth.

Sanjiv was elected as one of the youngest board members of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, where he led impactful projects focused on improving training and education for junior doctors. He has also contributed to public health awareness as a medical advisor on Channel 4’s You Are What You Eat.

Meet the Spread a Smile Board of Trustees here.