Your Stories

When Amelia was 8 years old she started to experience headaches and stomach pains at night. Amelia’s symptoms continued and her family started noticing that she didn’t seem to be growing, wasn’t eating properly, started to lose weight and kept losing her balance and falling over. 

Knowing that something wasn’t right, Amelia was referred to a Specialist at Colchester Hospital for an MRI scan, which revealed a large mass on her brain and treatment starting in November 2022.  As the mass was very close to her eyes, her scans were sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Addenbrooke’s Children’s Hospital for review, after which the family were told that the mass was in fact cancer. Amelia was diagnosed with Germinoma, a brain tumour, in January 2023.

Six cycles of chemotherapy treatment followed, during which time Amelia was often very unwell, in and out of hospital for blood transfusions. It was an extremely emotional time for Amelia and her family, with Amelia just wanting to be at home, surrounded by her family.

In April 2023, Amelia was referred for a three-week course of Proton Beam Therapy at University College London Hospital (UCLH), during which time Amelia and her Mum stayed together in London, going into hospital every day for treatment.  

Amelia’s Mum, Gemma said, “It was a really difficult time for us all, with Amelia and I in London away from the rest of the family. We were in and out of hospital so much and couldn’t be together as a family. Amelia was often so ill that we weren’t able to do anything else at all.”

It was during this time that Amelia’s family were introduced to Spread a Smile. 

Gemma said, “My husband Scott, met some of the Spread a Smile team in hospital. They introduced themselves and said they would love to support us, mentioning an upcoming day out at Mildreds restaurant and another trip to see Frozen at the theatre.

“It really was amazing as the outings gave us the chance to do something together as a family. We went to see Frozen just after Amelia finished her protons treatment and it was brilliant to have her sisters join us for such a special day out.

“We didn’t have a lot of money, as Amelia’s Dad had given up work to look after our other children whilst I was with Amelia in London. Things were really tight and we were under a lot of pressure. Getting to go to Mildreds and Frozen were such treats for the whole family and something we would never have been able to afford. Spread a Smile gave us a place to be together, not having to worry about money. There was entertainment, magic, singing and so much more to help cheer us all up and forget about the other stuff we were going through. We were so well looked after.

“Just seeing the looks on the children’s faces was amazing. The girls particularly loved the face painting and balloon making and the Lola’s cupcakes were incredible – always such a treat. What was nice for me was being able to just sit down, relax for a bit and watch my children together, just having fun and smiling. We also went along to the Spread a Smile Summer party in June and that was a beautiful sunny day for the whole family. We had so much fun!”

Amelia rang the bell at Colchester Hospital in July 2023 to mark the end of her treatment for cancer, with Spread a Smile continuing to be there for Amelia and her family.

“In August we had the opportunity to go to the Lake District as a family for the Spread a Smile residential trip and we jumped at the chance. It’s not something we would’ve been able to do otherwise and we were so excited to spend time together and go away together after Amelia finished her treatment.

“Spread a Smile put on such an amazing trip! Everything was organised for us and there were adventures, fun sessions and so much more to enjoy. We met and learnt from other families on their cancer journeys and Scott and I also got to chill out for a little bit in the evening which was so special. The kids still say it was the best holiday they have ever had and we will never forget sitting out at night watching the shooting stars. Such special moments that we will never forget. 

“Seeing Amelia go through her treatment was so hard. She was so sick and there was so much worry and pain. Being away from the family was extremely difficult and a very lonely time for me. Spread a Smile brought light back into lives. They  gave us something to look forward to and a place to be together again as a family. We will forever be grateful for this amazing charity and their amazing team.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Amelia and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Teddy was just nine months old when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in early 2023. Having struggled through illness after illness with his symptoms worsening each time, Teddy ended up in hospital with pneumonia and on oxygen support, before blood tests revealed his devastating diagnosis.

Teddy was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) the very next day and sent to theatre the same evening to have a Hickman line fitted and begin chemotherapy.

10 days of chemotherapy treatment followed, then a four to five week recovery period before a second, more intense round of chemotherapy and a further 6 to 8 weeks recovery. Teddy spent a large majority of this time in hospital, often extremely unwell from the side effects of his treatment. 

Spread a Smile first met Teddy and his family at GOSH during his first round of chemotherapy.

Teddy’s Mum, Katie said, “It was such an intense time, with our lives turned upside down, living away from home whilst Teddy was in hospital. When we were on Elephant Ward, a Spread a Smile fairy came to visit Teddy in his room and sang nursery rhymes to him. He loved it and it was like a breath of fresh air.

“Since that first visit we made sure to see the Spread a Smile entertainers whenever they came in! It is extremely tedious being in hospital all day, trying to entertain a 9 month old, with nothing much to do. We looked forward to their visits, to see Teddy’s face light up and have something new to distract him. It was lovely for his Dad and I to just sit back and watch Teddy smile and clap along to the singing. 10 minutes of pure joy.

“Having been in hospital for such a long time, Teddy’s physical development was delayed, but his cognitive development has been brilliant thanks to the visits from the Spread a Smile fairies and musicians. They gave him something to focus on and learn from. To start with he would smile and clap to the songs, but the more we saw them, the more he would learn, copying all the actions to songs. It’s been really valuable to help stimulate his development.

“We’ve also loved the Therapy Dog visits as we have a dog at home, so whenever Teddy saw one of the Spread a Smile dogs, his face would just light up. He loved stroking them, giving them treats and rolling the ball to them. It was wonderful to watch.”

A bone marrow match was found in the Spring and Teddy received a bone marrow transplant at the end of June, after which he fell quite ill with sepsis. 

“It was such a worrying time for us, with Teddy so unwell and being away from home. When Teddy first moved into his room on the transplant ward, his room was covered in mermaids and we wanted to try and make it feel more personal and a bit more like home. One of the hospital Play Specialists mentioned that there was a Spread a Smile artist, Marina, who could paint some murals especially for Teddy.

“When Marina came to see us, we talked about what Teddy would like. Teddy is our ‘Super Ted’ and so she painted his very own Super Ted on his window. It was an exciting and very special moment. We are on a journey of a lifetime and it feels like we are leaving our stamp on the room for others to enjoy, hopefully bringing some good luck. I feel like it represents our boy’s courage, strength and bravery, as well as the unconditional love we feel for him.

“Spread a Smile really is a wonderful charity and we witnessed so many children benefiting from the visits. For children (and their families) going through such traumatic experiences, Spread a Smile really does brighten up the day. They make you feel special during a very tough time, bringing out smiles which would otherwise be few and far between. It means a lot.”

Following his bone marrow transplant, Teddy turned a corner in early July, with the family hoping that discharge will soon follow.

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Teddy and their families by donating today. Thank you.

After one of Hannah’s eyes completely closed, a visit in June 2022 to Southampton Eye Hospital  confirmed a diagnosis of Rhabdomysosarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma (cancer).

Hannah started a 21-day cycle of chemotherapy at Southampton University Hospital before travelling to London in September 2022 to start a six week course of proton beam therapy and chemotherapy at University College London Hospital (UCLH). The hope was that because of the nature of her tumour, this combination of treatment would give Hannah the best prognosis. 

Spread a Smile first met Hannah and her Mum Andrea whilst Hannah was receiving treatment at UCLH. Andrea said: “We discovered Spread a Smile whilst waiting for proton beam therapy in the hospital playroom. There was a notice on the wall saying that Spread a Smile would be visiting with a therapy dog, so we asked to change Hannah’s treatment time to coincide with their visit. 

“We also met Laura from the charity who explained what Spread a Smile does and how they could support Hannah. Laura was so kind, asking Hannah what she was interested in and listening to her and what she had to say. We realised that Hannah really enjoyed art and so she started weekly art classes in hospital with Abi, one of the Spread a Smile artists. Hannah also loved meeting the magicians and therapy dogs – Buddy, Harry, Thomas and Chocco!

“It was such a good thing for both of us – throwing balls for the dogs, having cuddles, learning magic tricks and creating something in art. Hannah would become very poorly whilst on chemotherapy, so we weren’t allowed home at weekends and spent six weeks away from home and family in London. Meeting Spread a Smile would break up the week and give Hannah (and me) so many moments of laughter, happiness and enjoyment.  

“Instead of just turning up at the exact time for our appointments, we would arrive at hospital first thing for when Spread a Smile arrived, so we could spend as much time as possible with them. Hannah didn’t want to miss a thing! It gave her a sense of purpose and meant a huge amount to both of us.

“Spread a Smile also invited us on an outing to afternoon tea at Mildreds restaurant in London – which was brilliant. It was a chance for us to have a day out together, in amongst all the treatment and hospital stuff. We were able to relax and breathe for a while.”

At the end of 2022, Hannah returned back to Southampton to continue chemotherapy, finishing her last rounds in January 2023. 

“Since coming home, we are so lucky that Hannah has been able to continue her art classes every other week over Zoom. The classes are a way of her being with other people – friends now – who don’t treat her differently because of her illness. She is Hannah the person, not the illness. She looks forward to the sessions as she is listened to and valued. She has choices and independence which is hugely important when your life feels like it’s controlled by something like cancer.

“Spread a Smile has made a huge difference to Hannah, making life just a bit more manageable.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Hannah and their families by donating today. Thank you.

For the first 10 months of his life, Joshua’s health seemed fine, but after a series of infections and following his 13 month vaccinations, Joshua became seriously unwell.

Joshua spent the next six months in and out of his local hospital with no clear diagnosis before being transferred to Evelina Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE). He started on a specialist milk formula and medication and was sent home. However Joshua continued to be unwell. He had developed Haemolytic anaemia and was admitted to Great Ormnond Street Hospital (GOSH), for genetic panel testing. In May 2019, when he was nearly two years old, Joshua was diagnosed with Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) – a rare, inherited disorder that causes major abnormalities of the immune system. The search for a bone marrow donor began.

Joshua’s Mum, Kayleigh said, “We felt so relieved to finally have a diagnosis with treatment options, but we also felt completely lost as not much is known about SCID. As we arrived on the ward at GOSH and wheeled Joshua past all of the children hooked up to monitors in their isolation rooms, we realised just how serious things were. We were terrified as to what the future held.”

Kayleigh stayed with Joshua at GOSH, whilst Joshua’s Dad and sisters, Eva and Sienna, travelled back and forth from home to visit. 

“The girls were small and we wanted to maintain some normality for them, so we kept them in school and in their routines as much as possible. Joshua’s Dad would come and visit every day as we were  scared that this was the last time we would get to be with Joshua. It was really tough on all of us – being separated and so worried about what the future held.” 

The whole family was tested to see if they were a bone marrow match, with Joshua’s older sister Eva identified as a match. Joshua spent some time at home before receiving donated cells from his sister just after his second birthday. Spread a Smile met Joshua and his family not long after his transplant.

Kayleigh said, “Joshua’s sisters and Dad had come to visit and were waving at him through the window as Joshua was in isolation. As we were leaving the ward, two ladies from Spread a Smile stopped us and introduced themselves to the girls, entertaining them and saying hello. They told us what the charity does and that they regularly visited families on the ward. It felt like such a breath of fresh air.

“Joshua came home at the end of August 2019 and Spread a Smile stayed in touch the whole time, offering support. Joshua wasn’t able to do much after his transplant, but Spread a Smile supported the girls, inviting them on outings to see The Lion King and to the Spread a Smile Winter Party. 

“The trips meant so much as they gave us an opportunity to focus on the girls, spend time with them and rebuild our relationship with them. When Joshua was in hospital I stayed with him the whole time and was the main caregiver for him. It was so difficult for Eva and Sienna as their Mum had been taken away from them. Spread a Smile enabled us to do things together that we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. They helped us to reassure the girls that they are just as important to us, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

“When Joshua was readmitted to hospital in Christmas 2019 with some intestine problems, a Spread a Smile artist visited him to decorate the windows in his room. It was so wonderful for Joshua, to see his window and have the Spread a Smile entertainers and fairies visit to sing to him, deliver Christmas presents, make him smile and bring a bit of happiness and distraction into his room. 

“The Spread a Smile team would always remember our names and It meant a huge amount to see people who recognised and knew us. They understood what we were going through and what we needed and we felt part of a family. Their visits gave us a chance to breathe and reset and it was amazing to see Joshua smile – sometimes the only time he would smile all day.” 

In January 2020 when the pandemic hit, Joshua was allowed home, but he was clinically extremely vulnerable, so the family locked down completely, leaving them very isolated.

“Spread a Smile was there for us the whole time, offering online parties, magic shows and entertainment. Eva had a Spread a Smile Zoom birthday party and she received a gift delivered to our door. It was truly wonderful as she couldn’t go anywhere or see anyone, but her cousins all joined her online to celebrate and everyone had a great time. When the girls went back to school, Joshua also started weekly magic sessions online with Andy and his dog, which he loved.”

In August 2020, Joshua became unwell again and was diagnosed with chronic lung disease following his transplant. This left him with significant lung damage and a worrying future.

“Joshua’s health didn’t improve for a while, but there came a point where we realised that being isolated indoors, not going anywhere or doing anything wasn’t giving him any quality of life. So we decided to send him to a small, rural nursery one morning a week. He coped really well and has since started school!

“Although Joshua is thriving and his health is stable, he doesn’t have access to the same thing his peers do. Spread a Smile compensates for that. They give Joshua alternatives that work for him, for example when he went on an outing to see Frozen – the Musical. It was such a special day for him and something he wouldn’t have been able to do without Spread a Smile. 

“When Joshua was asked recently what the good things in his life are, he said Spread a Smile. They are one of the biggest positives we have and are part of our family. Although every event and activity is about entertaining the children, there is always someone for us parents to talk to as well. When you’ve been through such a traumatic experience, it’s amazing to be able to find that support and moments of relaxation and kindness. We really can’t thank Spread a Smile enough for always being there and for everything they do.”

Joshua is now under the care of William Harvey Hospital and is looking forward to having the opportunity to meet more Spread a Smile entertainers in person as part of our partnership with the hospital.

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Joshua and their families by donating today. Thank you.

At the beginning of 2023, Jasmine and her family’s world changed forever when Jasmine was diagnosed with cancer. 

Jasmine’s Dad Anthony said, “She had been complaining of double vision and sore eyes, so was referred for an MRI to be on the safe side. It seemed standard procedure – she had the scan and we went home. But a few hours later the phone rang and we were given the earth shattering news that Jasmine had a brain tumour. Words cannot describe the pain and anguish we felt then and what we are living with every minute of every day.

“After a second MRI at Oxford Children’s Hospital, we found out that the location of Jasmine’s tumour was extremely rare. There was no option to operate and there was a low survival rate. At best, Jasmine has 12 – 18 months before the tumour grows to the extent that she is taken from us. We sat in the Consultant’s office and wept desperate tears at the thought of losing our Jasmine.

At the end of February 2023 Jasmine started a three-week course of radiotherapy sessions at University College London Hospital (UCLH). It was during her fitting for a radiotherapy mask that the family first met Spread a Smile.

“One of the Play Specialists at UCLH mentioned that the Spread a Smile artist, Marina could help ease the process for Jasmine by painting her radiotherapy mask. Marina chatted to Jasmine, asking what she would like and Jasmine chose unicorns, puppies and LOL dolls. The mask looked incredible and it really was an amazing thing to do, bringing some positivity and joy and helping to reduce the stress and fear around a very difficult time. It made it more child friendly.”

The family moved to London whilst Jasmine underwent radiotherapy and signed up to as many Spread a Smile activities as they could. 

“Jasmine – our Warrior Princess – would always put a brave face on things and yet behind closed doors, we would see her vulnerability and how difficult and overwhelming what she was going through was. 

“Meeting the Spread a Smile entertainers – the magicians, the therapy dogs and the singers helped to take away the fear of the unknown and made that time in hospital so much easier. Just to do something that was about fun and laughter and for her as a child helped to reduce anxiety for everyone. 

“For us parents, Spread a Smile helped to distract from the emotions and fears we were trying to hide from Jasmine. There were days when I struggled to look at Jasmine without crying, but when the Spread a Smile team were there, making Jasmine laugh and happy, it also helped both me and Jasmine’s Mum stay positive. We were able to focus on watching Jasmine enjoy the moment, the magic and the fun and not let fear and emotion take over.

“Jasmine loved meeting the therapy dog and also loved going out of hospital with Spread a Smile to meet other children going through similar experiences for afternoon tea. She came back buzzing about who she’d met and what she’d done. It was such a release. 

“Laughter and smiles are contagious, so when Jasmine laughed, we laughed too and it was a relief to see her less stressed and worried. Spread a Smile helped to make light of a very dark situation.” 

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Jasmine and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Sister and brother Emily and Luke were both diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis, a condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to lung infections and problems digesting food.

Mum Juliet said: “Emily (our eldest) was diagnosed through the heel prick test at birth. I had no idea what Cystic Fibrosis was and then a nurse from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) arrived at the door to talk me through it, helping us to understand what the condition is and what might happen. The next day, we were in hospital, meeting Consultants and the support team.” 

By the time Emily was three years old, her health started to decline, leading to the start of frequent hospital admissions. Juliet was 34 weeks pregnant with Luke when their hospital stays started. She would take Emily into hospital every three months for two weeks at a time and life revolved around maintaining medication, clinical interventions, managing coughs and colds and trying to ensure Emily was thriving.

“Emily’s stays in hospital were very demanding, particularly in the early days when she was so little. She had a PICC line inserted for IV antibiotics to be pumped into her system. We had physio sessions, gym sessions, meetings, talked at length with the Consultants and had many discussions as to how best to  manage Emily’s condition and health. We wouldn’t have been able to cope without them. We also had to manage the additional stomach and liver problems which often come with a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis.”

“Being in hospital for a long time was a very challenging time for all of us. Emily needs to be in isolation, so we couldn’t mix with other patients or families to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Luckily GOSH is amazing at helping the children they care for to still be children, even when they are really unwell. This is when they introduced us to Spread a Smile. 

“Pre Covid, the Spread a Smile entertainers – singers, magicians and artists – would visit Emily in her room. When you’re with your child 24 hours a day, unable to see friends or family, it is an absolute lifeline. They brought joy, cheer, connection and something interesting in the day which lifted our spirits at a time when you feel so cut off from the outside world.”

“During the Covid pandemic, Spread a Smile adapted very quickly to continue their support online. Isolation during the pandemic was even worse. I was in hospital with one or both of my children 14 times during this time and at times we weren’t even allowed out of our room to go to the kitchen because of the serious infection risk. The Spread a Smile online sessions meant we could connect with a friendly face. Taking part in the activities was an amazing creative intervention at a time when the kids were missing out on so much play.

“External, creative organisations such as Spread a Smile play a crucial role in supporting the wellbeing of a child whilst in hospital. It means the hospital can focus on the medical needs and also ensures that all of the child’s needs are taken care of. 

“When she was little Emily loved face painting and the fairies. One time a Fairy gave her some magic dust which she kept for years and years. She loved the singers too – especially the funny ones who made her laugh!

“The amazing thing is that Spread a Smile adjusts and reacts as a child gets older, responding to their individual needs and offering different activities for different ages. So now, Emily is more into the online sessions and groups. She might ask the singers to sing Ed Sheeran or Adele as opposed to a nursery rhyme and they just do it.” 

“During Covid lockdown, when we were very isolated and shielding, Spread a Smile didn’t forget us. They delivered birthday presents and Christmas hampers to help cheer up the children. Those moments were a lifeline.”

Emily’s brother Luke, was also diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth, adding an additional layer of complexity and stress for the family due to the risks of cross-infection and additional care needs. 

“Initially, Luke’s condition didn’t manifest itself as complicated, but since the age of seven, he has struggled more. At one point before lockdown, Luke caught an extremely bad Cystic Fibrosis related bug which was very difficult to get rid of. He started a period of intensive treatment in hospital, spending 8-10 hours a day isolated in bed in his room, attached to an IV line. For an active boy it was extremely difficult, really impacting his state of mind and wellbeing. So he started online sessions with Spread a Smile and they were amazing. He particularly loves the art sessions and now attends weekly one-to-one and also group sessions. 

“Spread a Smile plays a vital role for Luke and the sessions have become a regular feature of his week. As they are online, he can take part and connect wherever he is – in hospital or at home. He has built relationships and they have remained consistent which has been important when he has to deal with so many other professionals elsewhere.

“When the children were well enough, we also went on a few theatre trips with Spread a Smile. They always do them with such style – entertainers, gifts, snacks, treats – making everyone feel so special and helping build positive memories. When you have so many things that are difficult going on, it’s wonderful to have something positive to do and think about. It helps to make the difficult times more manageable.”

Both Emily and Luke’s health has improved since starting new medication in 2022, meaning less time in hospital.

“Our relationship with Spread a Smile still continues to this day and as a family we are so thankful for everything they do. (Emily turned 13 and Luke 10 in early 2023). We are able to engage with stuff that makes a hugely positive difference to Emily and Luke’s wellbeing and for a parent, that is absolutely amazing.”

Luke says about Spread a Smile: “They are really funny and I like hanging out with them. It’s really fun. It helps me when I’m lonely as it makes me not feel lonely. Spread a Smile makes me feel happy inside the hospital and outside.”

Emily says about Spread a Smile: “I am so grateful that Spread a Smile has been able to provide me with support and entertainment whilst I’ve been sick and going through hard periods in my life.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Emily and Luke and their families by donating today. Thank you.

When JJ was seven years old his family noticed a spot on his chin and lip which didn’t seem to be improving. Within three months it had increased dramatically to the size of a golf ball and JJ was referred to Broomfield Hospital where a biopsy showed cancerous cells. JJ was immediately referred to Addenbrookes Hospital where he was diagnosed with rhabdomysosarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer.

A few days later JJ started a treatment plan lasting 10 months and involving numerous MRI scans under general anaesthetic, nine courses of chemotherapy, followed by five courses of radiotherapy.  This involved JJ and his Dad spending time away from the rest of the family for part of his treatment at University College London Hospital (UCLH). This was a particularly tough and stressful time for the family as due to Covid restrictions, JJ and his Dad Peter were separated for long periods of time from JJ’s Mum and brothers.

JJ’s Dad Peter found out about Spread a Smile from other parents going through similar experiences in hospital. So he got in touch and the team visited JJ and his Dad to talk about how we could support him. 

Peter said: “Spread a Smile became the friends we really needed. They would send JJ gifts to help cheer him up and keep him busy whilst in hospital. They would take the time to talk to me and listen to my worries and concerns. As it was during Covid, we weren’t allowed to go home or to see anyone. Having a friend like Spread a Smile meant the world to both of us.

Even though JJ is now in remission for cancer and back at home, Spread a Smile continues to support him and also his brothers Tyler and Harley.

“At Christmas Spread a Smile sent JJ a Smile Hamper full of thoughtful gifts. It was lovely as I could tell they had all been picked with JJ and his age in mind and he loved them all. But what made it really special was that Tyler and Harley also got hampers too. Having a sick brother was really difficult for them – they felt on the outside. Tyler in particular felt really anxious about going out and catching something that would make JJ more unwell. Getting the Smile Hampers made them feel included and it was something they could all enjoy together. It was like Spread a Smile knew what they needed and how to help them forget all the pain and illness for a while.”

Since JJ returned to school, Spread a Smile also arranged for a virtual ‘Smile Party’ for JJ and his classmates. 

“It was absolutely amazing as the whole class got to enjoy JJ in a positive and understanding way and celebrate his birthday with him. Everyone loved it so much and talked about it for ages afterwards. He was King for the day.

“Spread a Smile has really supported us, helping to make life easier. When we were isolated, we had Spread a Smile and we will be forever grateful for that. From sending an email to see how we are, to inviting JJ for the online sessions or sending out art and crafts packs and the personalised Smile Hampers – they have done so much and mean so much to us.

“Even though JJ is in remission from his cancer, Spread a Smile hasn’t forgotten us and the support is still there. It makes a massive difference to me as his Dad, as I can see the joy and happiness JJ gets out of everything Spread a Smile does.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like JJ and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Chloe was just two years old when in 2013 she was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer.

Richard and Karen, Chloe’s Dad and Mum said, “Chloe spent much of her childhood in hospital, undergoing hundreds of gruelling, painful procedures and treatments; she was extremely unhappy. Spread a Smile came into our lives a few weeks into our journey; the team made Chloe smile again and brought her back to life. In came smiling, friendly faces to her room at Great Ormond Street Hospital. For us as parents, it was so uplifting to see her happy in hospital.” 

“Spread a Smile took away some of the fear and they also involved Chloe’s brother, James, as they do with all siblings; they have been just as much a part of his life as for Chloe. 

“Chloe relapsed twice but over those years, Spread a Smile created many magical memories. On Chloe’s 10th birthday we received the news that her treatment wasn’t working. We were all in shock that day and needed to do something special for Chloe. Very quickly Spread a Smile arranged a virtual visit; it entertained her while she was feeling very low. It was the last birthday we got to celebrate with her. 

“Chloe passed away on 4 February 2022, aged 10. Even in Chloe’s final days, Spread a Smile helped us to create and capture many lovely moments. When we look at photos of Chloe giggling with a Spread a Smile entertainer, it’s just so special to see her smiling. 

“We are so fortunate that Spread a Smile has been part of our journey. They brought light into our lives. They brought Chloe laughter – which was just as important as medicine. It was their gift to us, which we know they give to so many other children, and we will be forever grateful.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Chloe and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Ava was born with a complex brain injury following a very rare infection during her Mum’s pregnancy.  With damage to every section of her brain, Ava underwent the first of multiple neurosurgeries at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) when she was just 10 days old.

Ava’s brain injury has caused cerebral palsy, uncontrolled epilepsy, scoliosis, hip dislocation and muscular, skeletal issues. She is non-verbal and a full-time wheelchair user requiring 24-hour support and care.

Ava’s Mum Liz told us, “When we first found out the extent to Ava’s injury and disabilities, our world fell apart. It took a while for us to adapt and accept our new reality, but now we see Ava for exactly who she is meant to be – our lovely, fun girl who is a blessing.”

Ava has been in and out of hospital all of her life and due to her disabilities spends a large amount of time at home. Finding Spread a Smile was therefore a lifeline for Ava and her family.

“We came across Spread a Smile when Ava was 13. A friend who had also been in and out of hospital recommended them to us and so we registered online to find out more. Then out of the blue the following Christmas, one of the beautiful Spread a Smile ‘Smile Hampers’ arrived for Ava full of carefully chosen gifts. It really was amazing! 

“By this point, Ava had been off school for quite a while during and post Covid and she was feeling incredibly lonely and isolated. Then the Spread a Smile Fairy turned up on our doorstep, singing to us and providing an injection of pure joy and happiness. It was like liquid sunshine, brightening our day and Ava thought it was the best thing in the world.”  

From that moment, Ava was hooked and the family signed up to join Spread a Smile’s virtual one-to-one and group sessions.

“Ava particularly loves musical theatre and her singing sessions with the Fairies and entertainers. Hearing them sing brings her so much joy. She sometimes invites friends she met in hospital who are also stuck at home and they join in together, creating a community of friendship. It’s nice for them to meet online to do something fun, when their world is so enclosed by the limitations of being at home. It breaks up the week and makes us feel less isolated and alone. When we take part in the group sessions, we see we have people there to support us.”

“A key thing for Ava is that the sessions focus on her. Because of her disabilities, she doesn’t get to make many of her own decisions or have her own independence. Spread a Smile makes her time with them, all about her. They ask her what she wants to do, focus on what she likes and enjoys and tap into that. There is nothing about illness or disability, it’s just a safe space for her to live in the moment, have fun, be in control and connect with other people.

“As a Mum, it’s wonderful to see how much happiness both Ava and I find with Spread a Smile. The days are long as we have to spend a lot of time at home. I can feel very alone sometimes as I might not see other people, apart from Ava’s support carers, for days at a time. Spread a Smile welcomes us both with open arms. Whilst Ava is enjoying the sessions, I can just sit with her and have half an hour of respite with a cup of tea! I get to chat to the entertainers and other Mums and have found a community who understand. If I’m exhausted, we also turn to Smile TV, Spread a Smile’s TV channel as it’s full of amazing resources to keep Ava entertained for a little while, whilst I just sit down.

“Spread a Smile has brought us so much joy during some of our darkest days. They are there for us, holding our hands and that means the world.” 

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Ava and their families by donating today. Thank you.

In November 2021 when Kaiden was just six years old, he started suffering from head pain, nausea and double vision. His GP initially diagnosed migraines, but as his symptoms continued, in May 2022 Kaiden was referred to Wycombe Hospital for an MRI scan. Within 48 hours, his Mum Kathryn received a call to say that they had found a mass in his brain. 

Kaiden was immediately transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital for further MRI scans and an urgent operation to fully remove a brain tumour called a medulloblastoma.

After his initial recovery, the plan was for Kaiden to start Proton Beam Therapy at University College London Hospital (UCLH) to ensure the removal of all cancerous cells. However this was delayed for four weeks following an infection which saw Kaiden rushed back into hospital for treatment and to drain fluid from his head. 

In September 2022, Kaiden along with his Mum, Dad and two youngest siblings moved to London to start daily proton beam therapy under general anaesthetic at UCLH.

Mum Kathryn said, “It was during our daily visits to UCLH that we met Spread a Smile. The team were visiting with Buddy, one of their Therapy Dogs. Kaiden was in recovery from general anaesthetic and wasn’t particularly bothered about seeing anyone. However, within a couple of minutes of meeting Buddy, he was sitting up in bed, stroking and playing with Buddy and giving him treats. Kaiden’s recovery from anaesthetic was super quick that day! He just wanted to get up and absolutely loved being with Buddy. It was wonderful for me to see Kaiden happy and enjoying something different. When you spend so long in hospital, anything that breaks the monotony is a treat.”

Whilst Kaiden and his family were in London, Spread a Smile invited the family along for an outing to see The Lion King on stage in the West End. 

“Because Kaiden was under general anaesthetic so often, our days in hospital were long as he was often asleep or in recovery when people came to visit. Being able to go to the theatre as a family for such an amazing day was incredible and an experience we will never forget. The trip coincided with Kaiden’s proton beam therapy coming to an end and in the lead up to starting chemotherapy. It was wonderful to have something special to do and it was a magical day.”

Kaiden started chemotherapy at the end of 2022, meaning he had to stay at home in between cycles to help protect his immune system. It was at this point that the family discovered Spread a Smile’s virtual sessions.

“Spread a Smile’s online sessions have literally been a lifeline for Kaiden. He looks forward to them every day taking part in as many as possible from Magic with Makaton to singing, art and cupcake decorating. He often does two a day! Even when he missed the cupcake session due to an operation, we took the kit Spread a Smile sent us into hospital and once he had recovered Kaiden spent a lovely couple of hours decorating the cakes. It was a great distraction for him. 

“As a parent, Spread a Smile means the world. Kaiden can’t go to school or see his friends and not being able to go anywhere is tough for him. But through their online sessions, Kaiden has made friends. He chats to people, engages with them, laughs and can just be Kaiden again. It’s lovely to see and I don’t know what we’d do without them.”

As Kaiden himself said: “Spread a Smile do what they say – they make me smile every day!”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Kaiden and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Ciara was born with Down Syndrome alongside additional heart complications which led to heart surgery at 18 months old. She was also hospitalised on several occasions for chest infections in those early years of life. Then in November 2016, after battling several viruses, Ciara started limping. Doctors initially treated her for hip infections, but three months later in early 2019, it was confirmed that Ciara had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. She spent three months in hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy and when she didn’t reach remission, another six months gruelling treatment followed. Ciara was unable to walk, was fed via a nasogastric tube and spent her days in pain. 

Ciara underwent three years of chemotherapy and steroid treatment in total, including weeks in PICU on life support for an infection. During this time, she also developed acute mucositis – a condition characterised by pain and inflammation of the body’s mucous membrane and a side effect commonly associated with treatment for cancer. Her reaction to treatment was complicated as people with Down Syndrome find it harder to clear some chemotherapies from the body (methotrexate). The steroids used in treatment caused Ciara to become steroid dependent and have stunted hip growth.

Isolation and medical trauma seriously affected Ciara’s mental health. She was unable to go to school regularly for two years and then this led into covid lockdown.

Although Ciara has been off treatment for leukaemia since September 2019, unfortunately some long-term effects of the treatment still cause her issues. This combined with Down Syndrome means that Ciara still has to attend hospital and has low immunity to all the winter bugs. In January 2020 she developed a cholesteatoma and needed several operations on her ear to try and restore some hearing. Following her end of treatment party in February 2020, Ciara caught long covid whilst in hospital.

Ciara’s Mum Deborah said: “Ciara is a fighter and she loves life. She has a wonderful repertoire of slapstick comedy; her smile warms any heart and she likes to direct Broadway musicals using any willing performers. She has needed to extend her Makaton vocabulary since being deaf and this is just one-way Spread a Smile comes into life for her.”

Spread a Smile first met Ciara at King’s College Hospital in June 2019 after she had finished her cancer treatment. Initially Ciara started to enjoy regular virtual sessions with Mr Magic and Oscar (Mr Magic’s puppet) and absolutely loved them. Mr Magic and Oscar become her friends and to her they were also famous since they were on ‘TV’… Smile TV (Spread a Smile’s video platform). 

“Ciara then joined in lots of Spread a Smile’s virtual events and workshops including biscuit decorating, arts and craft sessions, and the weekly Makaton sessions (which she still does). Now she’s older her favourite zoom session was learning how to do her make-up and receiving the make-up for the session in the post.

“We’re also proud to have celebrated Ciara’s birthday with her through bespoke online Smile Parties. The summer party organised by the charity was the first time Ciara met the Spread a Smile team in person. It was a really special moment for all of us.

“Spread a Smile has really helped with Ciara’s recovery from illness. Their sessions have felt like therapy for both Ciara and myself as they are something special to join in with. It’s been a real treat for her and for me to see her actually enjoying herself. Although we have only met Spread a Smile once in person, the online Zoom sessions have been vital for Ciara as she finds it hard to leave the house and is anxious around other kids. Having regular Zoom sessions and getting to know a few of the Spread a Smile fairies and staff has been a God-send for our neurodivergent young person.

“We now use Smile TV a lot, and seeing the entertainers in person is a bit like meeting her idols. She loves them all! Ciara has also met Santa through Spread a Smile and attended both the Chanukah and Eid parties. I’m Jewish, but we haven’t got a reason for attending Eid… Ciara just wanted a party! I think the box of goodies Spread a Smile sent at Christmas and the make-up have been her absolute highlights – although the face painting workshop was amazing too. 

“For me, the one-to-ones with Ian have been particularly special as they have given me a chance to see Ciara laugh her head off. It’s a wonderful thing for a Mum to see when your child is unwell. The fact that she gets to see other children who are ill has also helped her and it’s been great for me to be able to talk to people like Vanessa (one of the Spread a Smile’s co-founders) who really get how awful this journey is. Thank you Spread a Smile for being there when we needed you most.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Ciara and their families by donating today. Thank you.

In March 2018 Kaiya was diagnosed with high risk leukaemia and immediately admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for chemotherapy whilst the search for a bone marrow donor began.

As it was over the Easter bank holiday, the hospital was very quiet and it was during this time that Spread a Smile first met Kaiya and her family.

Kaiya’s Mum Annu said, “It was so strange and scary all of a sudden being in hospital with our world turned upside down. Meeting Spread a Smile during that time made a huge difference. A fairy came and gave Kaiya some activities to do, talking to her and laughing with her. They treated her like a person – a child – seeing more than her illness.”

After spending an initial three and a half weeks at GOSH, Kaiya returned frequently to the hospital for additional treatment and she loved seeing the Spread a Smile entertainers and joining in as many activities as she could. 

When Kaiya was admitted again for a number of months for her bone marrow transplant, she spent most of it in isolation. During this time, Kaiya would look forward to visits from Spread a Smile:

Annu said, “Kaiya had visits from fairies, magicians, singers and even an artist who drew pictures of Kaiya’s favourite Disney princesses for her. She loved them all, but particularly the magicians and singing fairies. They made her feel so special and important. She felt like the ‘normal’ Kaiya, not the ‘cancer’ Kaiya. She was able to have fun in the moment, talk about anything she wanted and everyone was so kind to her. 

She would always remember and talk about who she’d met and what they’d done together. Being in isolation is like groundhog day every day, but Spread a Smile was like a breath of fresh air. Seeing Kaiya’s eyes and face light up when the team arrived was just brilliant.” 

Because of the side effects of her treatment, Kaiya would sometimes feel very upset or angry and she didn’t understand why her emotions could be so extreme.

“I remember Laura from Spread a Smile spending time talking gently with Kaiya about what was happening to her and how she felt. Laura had such a lovely kind way of engaging with her. After that, Kaiya started talking a lot about how other children on the wards might be feeling about and during their treatment and that she wanted to try and help them understand and manage their feelings. So she decided to write a book!

“Kaiya would sit with me whilst we were in isolation telling me what she wanted me to write down and thinking about what she found helpful and how to cope better with difficult feelings surrounding treatment and hospitalisation.”

During lockdown Annu pulled all of Kaiya’s thoughts together, adding in some things that she also felt would be useful. This has since led to Kaiya’s book -“My Brave Journey – A personal journal about what makes me special”.

Kaiya sadly passed away in 2019 and her book is a lasting and very special tribute to a courageous and caring girl. Upon completing Kaiya’s book, her family donated copies to Spread a Smile to be delivered to children undergoing treatment at GOSH. 

Annu, Kaiya’s Mum said “Spread a Smile made Kaiya’s last Christmas so special, when she was so weak that she didn’t have enough energy to open her presents. You managed to bring her beautiful smile back for that moment. We are so proud of her and hope her book will help other children in hospital.” 

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Kaiya and their families by donating today. Thank you.

In May 2021 when she was 12 years old, Alyssa was diagnosed with an aggressive form of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. T-cells are the body’s guardians – seeking out and destroying threats – but for Alyssa they had become the danger and were growing out of control. 

Alyssa immediately started a course of four different types of chemotherapy at Leicester Royal Infirmary, followed by a second more intensive course, after which the search for a bone marrow donor began.

Between June and October 2021 whilst looking for a bone marrow match, Alyssa spent four weeks in hospital receiving more chemotherapy. It was during this time that the family was introduced to Spread a Smile by one of the hospital’s Play Therapists who invited her to join a group online drawing session with other children in the hospital. From that moment, Alyssa was hooked, taking part in as many Spread a Smile sessions as she could, from balloon modelling to art and magic. 

As her Mum, Kiona said: “The sessions were a break from treatment and a chance to engage with other children. Alyssa was able to socialise, laugh, be herself and forget she was in hospital. Afterwards she would take what she had learnt from a session and find out more about it, sharing it all with her family. She taught me how to draw a unicorn after one of the Spread a Smile art sessions! Alyssa loved it all.”  

In October 2021, Alyssa was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for a bone marrow transplant, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. At this point the family felt in complete limbo, not knowing what the future held.

“We had been discharged from hospital, but Alyssa was still in isolation and we didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t go to school or be with her friends and we didn’t know what was going to happen next. It was during this time that Alyssa started singing and piano lessons with Spread a Smile and Fairy Kiri. I can’t explain the difference they made to Alyssa and her wellbeing, bringing her so much joy during such a difficult time. She would join in with as much as possible through Spread a Smile and the sessions became such an important focus in her life.”

By this point, the only remaining treatment option was a revolutionary new type of medicine called “base editing”, which involved engineering a new type of T-cell capable of hunting down and killing Alyssa’s cancerous T-cells. In April 2022, Alyssa was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to start a clinical trial.

Alyssa spent four months at GOSH, three and a half of those in isolation. During that time she could only see her Mum or Dad and didn’t see her brother, Liam properly at all.

“Alyssa is really close to her brother and it was perhaps hardest on him as he had to carry on his day to day life, going to school, travelling every weekend to GOSH and only being able to see Alyssa through a glass window. He wanted to keep her safe, so it was really lovely for him to be able to join in with some of her Zoom sessions with Spread a Smile. It was something they could do together.

“Spread a Smile once again made a huge difference to Alyssa as she battled her illness. She joined weekly art sessions with Fairy Kiri and a friend called Vicky who was also receiving treatment at GOSH. They loved seeing each other on Zoom and still carry on with the sessions today. Alyssa also had her hospital room window painted by one of the Spread a Smile artists and she was so chuffed that she could have Dobby from Harry Potter. 

“Spread a Smile also supported me hugely and I won’t ever forget the time when thanks to this amazing charity, I was able to relax for just a little while when they organised for me to have a hand massage, haircut and a facial in hospital. Alyssa loved that!”

After a month, the family received the wonderful news that Alyssa was in remission from her cancer. She was given a second bone-marrow transplant to regrow her immune system and was initially discharged mid-August when for the first time, Doctors reported that they couldn’t see any cancerous cells. 

“Once again, Spread a Smile really stepped up for us. Although Alyssa wasn’t able to fully join in at the Spread a Smile Summer party due to the risk of infection, they made such an effort to welcome us, helping to keep us separate but involved, bringing us lots of treats and surprises and even singing a special song for Alyssa. Such beautiful moments that we will treasure forever.

By December 2022, seven months after the clinical trial began, Doctors felt more confident in saying that the signs were good and it looked like treatment had been a success. The family are now planning more for the future, thinking about Alyssa returning to school and finding a bit of normality and stability. Alyssa is still a huge Spread a Smile fan. 

Alyssa said, “When I was first diagnosed it was right in the middle of the Covid pandemic and everyone was kept apart. It was so hard being ill and away from my family not able to see anyone. So I loved Spread a Smile’s online group sessions as I got to meet other people who are going through similar experiences. My brother was also able to join in too which made me really happy.

“When I was in hospital in isolation and feeling really rubbish, I always had someone to talk to at Spread a Smile and they made me feel less alone. I love Fairy Kiri – she is so brilliant – always making me happy and smile. I can forget about being ill when we’re together.

“Spread a Smile are amazing! Thank you so much to everyone for helping me and really making a difference during such a horrible time.”

Alyssa’s Mum, Kiona said, “For me, it’s simple. Spread a Smile is able to do things and help Alyssa in ways that often family and medical staff can’t. They are her friend, support her and lift her up with happiness and fun.  

“When you have a very unwell child, the world around you becomes small. There aren’t any ‘normal’ experiences anymore and everything is wrapped up in hospitals, illness and treatments. Spread a Smile spurs us on to do more, experience more and see that there is something else out there beyond the sickness. They provide a little bit of hope in the darkness.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Alyssa and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Lottie was just six years old when in early 2022 she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour (ATRT). Since then, Lottie has been undergoing an intensive course of treatment, including 12 cycles  of chemotherapy at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, plus 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy sessions under anaesthetic at University College London Hospital (UCLH).

During her treatment, Lottie became extremely unwell and she was admitted to UCLH for five weeks. Lottie couldn’t leave her room, interact with other children or join in any group ward activities. She was away from home and her familiar surroundings and felt extremely isolated and lonely.

It was during this time that Spread a Smile met Lottie and started special weekly bedside visits for her with our Therapy Dogs – Buddy, Thomas and Smartie. These visits made such a difference to Lottie, providing her with a distraction and a chance to laugh and play with others.

Lottie’s Mum, Gemma said, “The Spread a Smile visits were the highlight of Lottie’s week. They kept her going, giving her something to look forward to when she was feeling so unwell and stuck in her room. When she saw one of the Therapy Dogs, her face would light up. I could feel her joy as she stroked their fur or gave them treats. They provided such warmth and comfort for Lottie. As her Mum, this meant so much giving me some happy memories in amongst all of the worry.”

During her radiotherapy treatment Lottie couldn’t tolerate food and didn’t eat for weeks. However being with Thomas encouraged Lottie to eat as she would break treats in two, giving half to Thomas and eating half herself. This was a huge moment for everyone.

“Meeting Buddy the Spread a Smile therapy dog in hospital was amazing as Lottie loves animals. Lottie was feeling really down and poorly as she had been having radiotherapy and hadn’t been out of bed for most of the week. When Buddy came in I hadn’t seen her move so quick in a long time! He got her through the radiotherapy. Lottie loved walking Buddy around her room and she would’ve hid him under her bed and kept him if she could.” Jason, Lottie’s Dad

Now that Lottie is back under the care of John Radcliffe Hospital, Spread a Smile continues to support Lottie through virtual visits. Even though Lottie is extremely unwell, she and her family were able to join us for a recent VIP outing to see The Lion King in London, making happy memories on a rare day out when they could all be together.

“Lottie has two siblings, Amy who is 15 and Jacob who is 11. Amy has taken it really hard as she understands everything. Jacob has major separation anxiety and leaving him for the 6 weeks when Lottie had radiotherapy in London was really hard.

So going on the Spread a Smile outing to see The Lion King was lovely. We’d been in and out of hospital since Lottie’s diagnosis 6 months before and it was the first time that just the 5 of us have had a day out together. It was very special.”

“Spread a Smile has been everything. Psychologically for us as parents it’s been tough. Laura from Spread a Smile has stayed behind chatting to us after sessions (when she didn’t have to do) and that’s been amazing and a huge support. What they do is unreal.

Even when Lottie is going through so much, fighting for her life and feeling horrendous all the time, Spread a Smile brings a smile to her face. And that’s all you want for any child. 

Spread a Smile is an amazing and special charity and we feel so lucky to have found them. They bring such comfort and joy and have held Lottie’s hand during the most difficult time of her life.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Lottie and their families by donating today. Thank you.

At just 21 months old, Amber was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer. On her first day at the Royal London Hospital, Spread a Smile was visiting children on the wards with one of the charity’s therapy dogs. On what was an incredibly daunting day, the impact of meeting our team helped to distract and relax Amber during this first visit to the hospital.

Since then, Spread a Smile has supported Amber and her family throughout all her treatments at the Royal London and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

For Amber’s parents, Pippa and Glenn, seeing their daughter enjoy rare moments of fun by partaking in play and interactive entertainment is uplifting and helps them support Amber through her healthcare journey.Pippa explains, “Amber loves singing with your entertainers – especially your musician, Sar. For us all to sing along together and be happy, even in such difficult circumstances, is such a release. We love to see her smiling and reclaiming her childhood. Spread a Smile is so valuable for parents as well as for children.”

When the pandemic began, Amber still had to go into GOSH for frequent treatment for her eye. As playrooms were closed and visitors prohibited during lockdown, not having Spread a Smile around felt like a massive void for all the family. However, Spread a Smile’s digital services including virtual entertainer visits and our Smile TV, full of pre-recorded entertainer videos, provided a valuable break to the monotony of the hospital environment. After every procedure Amber would have to lie still for four hours, so having access to Spread a Smile’s online services was an amazing distraction from her discomfort.

“When we heard that Spread a Smile would also record a personalised video message, just for Amber, we jumped at the chance. We’ve watched the video so many times. Amber has also joined group virtual visits with entertainers and other children and she’s really benefitted from the peer support. In her world, she’s the only person she knows who goes to hospital and they help her feel a bit more ‘normal’. For everything that Amber has been through, Spread a Smile is a happy part of hospital and such a positive memory.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Amber and their families by donating today. Thank you.

At the age of four, Lydia was diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, an extremely rare disorder that causes tumours in glands and parts of the small intestine and stomach. At 12 years old, she was diagnosed with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer, which had progressed at an unexpected rate. As a result, Lydia endured multiple invasive surgeries to remove tumours, daily medication and ongoing hospital treatment to control the spread of the tumours.

One of her most recent medical treatments involved a dose of radiation so intense that she had to remain in her hospital room alone behind lead lined doors, to prevent any radiation contamination.

Lydia’s diagnosis, treatment and long and repeated hospital stays have dominated her life. She missed so much of her young life and so much of what other teenagers take for granted. The need to be isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic further impacted her feelings of separation and isolation.

Meeting Spread a Smile has made a hugely positive difference for Lydia and her family. Our in-person and virtual visits have provided much needed interactions, activities and peer support that has helped transform her emotional wellbeing.

Suzanne, Lydia’s Mum said, “Pain and treatment has been really upsetting for Lydia, and consequently, me. When your child doesn’t feel well and they are very vulnerable and you can’t hug them, it is the hardest thing. It goes completely against a mother’s natural instincts. But this all changed when Spread a Smile visited. Magicians doing magic tricks, fairies singing and artists face painting with glitter and gems – it brightened up our day. They lifted Lydia’s mood and gave us something else to think and talk about.  During her time in hospital, in isolation and when recovering at home, Spread a Smile provided Lydia with many vital distractions. You have been a lifeline to both Lydia and her brother, Samuel, during such difficult times. When you have a child going through cancer treatment, any support means so much more.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Lydia and their families by donating today. Thank you.

In February 2022 Niko’s family’s, world was flipped upside down when at the age of just two years old, Niko was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, an aggressive type of blood cancer. Niko was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where he received blood tests, blood product transfusions and other urgent procedures including genetic testing, bone marrow tests, lumbar punctures, blood tests, antibiotics, steroids and high intensity chemotherapy.

The family were told that Niko’s treatment plan would last at least 3 years and that it would involve 13 rounds of Chemotherapy. A long and draining future lay ahead.

By mid-March 2022, Niko’s treatment was so intense, with so many negative side effects, that he stopped walking, playing and being able to move independently. After a period of investigation and tests, adjustments to his medication, consultations with physiotherapy and special aids, Niko recovered some of his mobility, although it still isn’t 100%. It was an extremely scary and emotional time for the family. Niko continues to be very weak, gets very tired after just a few steps and his legs often just give way underneath him meaning that he falls over a lot.

There then followed other phases of treatment which once again involved a lot of hospital admissions and more chemotherapy, during which time Niko lost his hair for the fourth time. It was a relief to find out at the end of this phase that although by no means the end of the road, Niko was considered to be in remission.

Since September 2022, Niko has been having daily chemotherapy at home to try and prevent any remaining cancer cells from reproducing and taking over again. Niko visits his local hospital, Colchester General Hospital weekly for blood tests and every four weeks for IV chemotherapy and steroids pulses. He now only attends Great Ormond Street Hospital every 3 months for further checks and treatment which includes lumbar punctures and infused chemotherapy into the spinal cord and fluid around the brain.

The family first came across Spread a Smile in late Spring 2022 when a member of the hospital play team gave Niko a Spread a Smile ‘walking balloon’. Niko was having an awful day, fasting before surgery and the balloon made such a difference, lifting his spirits and giving him something exciting to focus on.

Mum Katie said, “As soon as Niko saw the balloon he started to smile. I googled Spread a Smile, as there was a sticker on the balloon, to find out more about them and got straight in touch when I saw all of the different activities they offer that I knew might help Niko. Niko started having one-to-one virtual sessions with Spread a Smile Entertainers over the summer holidays including magicians and fairies. He particularly loved the magicians who made him smile, laugh and shout at the screen every time.” 

“When you are going through such a hard, draining and emotional time, seeing your child smile, even if very briefly, can mean everything.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Niko and their families by donating today. Thank you.

When she was five years old, Aditi was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and Renal Failure. As a result, she requires dialysis three times a week, and a Bone Marrow Transplant.

Aditi’s health concerns have been a huge adjustment for the family. As Aditi’s Dad Uday said, “Aditi’s diagnosis turned our life into a different direction. We weren’t able to make spontaneous plans or travel to see family in India which was very hard. Aditi was only able to go to school for 2 hours a day on non-dialysis days and she has missed out on so much. Her brother has also been affected, as we try to juggle supporting Aditi and also Adithya during a pivotal time in his education.”

We first met Aditi and her family at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2020 and have been supporting her with one-on-one sessions since August of that year.

Uday says that Spread a Smile has become ‘part of the daily fabric of their lives’. While Aditi’s taste has changed from nursery rhymes to Disney songs, our singing sessions and other support have played a hugely positive role during her time in hospital. Being able to experience fun and creative activities whilst undergoing treatment and in isolation brought joy and variety into the family’s life, especially as Aditi is unable to properly experience school. It also helped to take away from the common feelings of a hospital stay, which can range from worry to monotony.

Uday says that the Terrible Thames boat tour, which we invited the family to, was one of their most special memories of our work. He remembered Aditi and her mum, Divya, spending days leading up to the trip picking out clothes and hair accessories! Taking the family to the Theatre Royal to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea was also special, as they were able to have a whole family day out, including Adithya.

Getting to know Aditi and her family has been a joy and knowing that we can continue to make a difference in their lives is so meaningful.

“Spread a Smile brightened our world and they feel like part of the family. Aditi has found so much joy and happiness during the sessions and outings and has felt so special and loved. Spread a Smile have helped us all and given us such beautiful memories.” Uday

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Aditi and their families by donating today. Thank you.

When Jacob first fell ill at 18 months old, his Mum, Emily, took him to A&E as a precaution. Unfortunately, what started as a high temperature led to an extended hospital visit and a vast number of tests in which doctors tried to understand what was wrong. Jacob went through lumber punctures, CT scans, blood and fluid tests, but still doctors struggled to find an answer for his condition.

Eventually, after having been moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), doctors diagnosed Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). As a doctor told Emily at the time, “there’s more chance of winning the lottery than being diagnosed with HLH”.

The only treatment for this condition is chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, so the search for a donor began immediately with Jacob having a transplant in March 2019. He was then kept in isolation on Fox ward at GOSH for three months. When he eventually came home, he was still dealing with complications such as Haemolytic Anaemia, which meant he returned to the hospital often. This continued throughout 2020 and Jacob spent so much time in hospital and was reliant on blood transfusions and steroids and even had sepsis. Doctors decided at this point that he needed a second bone marrow transplant to try to improve his condition.

The transplant eventually happened around Christmas 2021. Jacob spent another two months in isolation in hospital and has been living with post-transplant complications ever since. He is still very much in isolation at home until his condition improves and Jacob and Emily still go into hospital around once a month.

We first met Jacob at GOSH when he was 18 months old when we would come and sing with him. As Emily said, “He was a baby on the bed and he’d been in hospital for 10 weeks. Someone from Spread a Smile came in to sing with him and it really brightened his day. After that he would get out of bed and walk down the corridor on Lion ward. We also did magic which helped to build his confidence.

“The virtual visits were also so important. We could never do baby classes or groups so Spread a Smile magic, art, singing and dancing kept him entertained. You have been supporting us now for four years. He even did a Lola’s cupcake decorating session – he was so ill that day but it got him out of bed to do an activity and put a huge smile on his face.”

At one point, Jacob was unable to leave his hospital room for 70 days, so the ability to bring some creativity and colour to his space was vital. That’s why we decorated the windows in his room. He gave us very exact instructions on what he wanted his window to look like, which involved his favourite characters; Sooty and Sweep riding on his favourite train. He had brought all the characters from home to make sure we got the drawing just right. We did the same for Jacob and others on Fox ward over Christmas as well.

Emily said that Jacob was so excited to come to our summer party in August 2022. This was only the second party he has been to, after he came to one of our events last year. Now being five years old, and having not experienced school or nursery, the relationships that Jacob has with our entertainers, staff and his medical team are incredibly important.

Getting to know Jacob and Emily has been wonderful, and being able to make a difference in their lives has been a real privilege. We’re excited to see Jacob again and hopefully host him at more parties to come.

Emily said, “Spread a Smile is so important to my family. Even at Christmas you sent a box of goodies. Things like that make such a difference when your child is going through such a hard time and your child is so seriously sick. There are no other organisations out there that provide the entertainment that you guys do.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Jacob and their families by donating today. Thank you.

In September 2020, at the age of nine, Sophie was diagnosed with anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that needs aggressive chemotherapy to fight. She immediately had to endure a seven-hour operation to remove her tumour, and nine grueling rounds of chemotherapy.

In late December, Sophie and her mum, Charlotte, moved to London for seven weeks so that Sophie could have radiotherapy treatment at University College London Hospital (UCLH). It was here that Sophie met Spread a Smile.

Her first introduction to the charity was just before Christmas, when she joined our virtual Santa’s Grotto.Charlotte said, “Spread a Smile really lives up to its name – it’s exactly what you do. On days when Sophie couldn’t lift her head up and really couldn’t face doing anything if she knew she had a visit she’d make sure she was ready for the session. It was the only thing she wanted to do. She loves art and the art sessions were such a boost for her. They were really the only thing that would put a smile on her face, and she’d be happy for the rest of the day.”

Spread a Smile’s presence in Sophie’s life during an unimaginably difficult time was vital in supporting her through long and repeated hospital stays, giving her something to look forward to. At a time when Sophie felt isolated, anxious and as if time moved slowly, Spread a Smile’s visits provided rare moments of joy and laughter amidst the mundanity of being in hospital. Sophie enjoyed weekly art sessions with her sisters, which allowed her to enjoy an activity with her siblings, who she may have spent long periods of time apart from during hospital stays. It also made the siblings feel included, as they often spend considerable periods of time away from each other.

“The whole family’s outlook changed since Sophie’s diagnosis. Sophie’s prognosis has a 30% chance of survival over five years. We are now living by the mantra of ‘live for now’ – never put off the things you want to do. The impact on the family has been huge, but Spread a Smile’s presence in our lives has provided us with much-needed moments of happiness, relief and escapism.” 

Sophie passed away in September 2021.

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Sophie and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Born with chronic kidney disease, six-year-old Austin has spent his whole life in and out of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). In early 2020, a transplant became necessary, but two weeks before the operation was scheduled, all living donor transplants were halted as the nation went into lockdown at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The next four months caused unimaginable strain on the lives of Austin, his twin sister Annabelle, and their parents, who shielded at home.

Austin and Annabelle were kept from being with their reception classmates who had returned to school towards the end of term, losing out on essential parts of their learning and development. When he finally received the surgery four months after originally intended, so much about hospitals had changed.

Donna, Austin’s Mum said, “It was heart-breaking to see children confined to their beds and playrooms closed. There was nothing to distract Austin from his illness and treatment.”

All this changed when a GOSH Play Specialist recommended Spread a Smile. Smile TV is the charity’s 24/7 entertainment channel, where children can enjoy a host of our fun and engaging recorded videos from our entertainers and celebrities. This facilitated a vital distraction for Austin. He subsequently joined virtual arts and crafts sessions and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, reconnecting him with the outside world as he continued to shield for months after his surgery.

“Austin had gone inside of himself during the trauma of his transplant journey, but Spread a Smile’s presence dramatically improved his wellbeing and returned him to the “sunny kid” we know him to be. You also included Annabelle in all of your activities. Siblings often feel left out, so everything that linked them and gave them a shared experience was invaluable. There have been so many positive moments for Austin in the midst of more difficult ones thanks to Spread a Smile.” 

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Austin and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Maisie’s journey began in January 2021 during the height of the second wave of Covid. After complaining of a stiff neck, an MRI revealed a mass on Maisie’s neck. She was immediately put in a neck brace and blue lighted to King’s College Hospital, where after lots of tests and weeks later, Maisie was diagnosed with Osteoblastoma – a type of benign tumour. The tumour had completely crushed her c5 vertebrae, putting her entire neck at risk.

Maisie underwent 13 hours of surgery at King’s College Hospital to remove the mass and the operation was deemed a success. However, 6 months later during a review in September 2021, the family found out that things had changed and the tumour looked different. Their worst fears were realised when Maisie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma – an aggressive form of primary bone cancer.

After an 8 week period admitted to Stanmore Hospital for DNA genomic testing, Maisie started an intensive course of 6 rounds of chemotherapy at University College London Hospital (UCLH) to try to shrink the tumour. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy wasn’t successful, leading to more surgery to remove the tumour which took 23 hours across 2.5 days. In October 2022, Maisie started a 6-week course of daily radiotherapy sessions to treat the remaining inoperable cancer in her neck.

Spread a Smile has been supporting Maisie and her family since her treatment started – initially through virtual one-to-one sessions with our entertainers and also bedside visits from our Therapy Dog, Thomas.  These sessions have given Maisie so much joy and laughter, helping to distract her from her treatment and pain. When she feels well enough, Maisie also joins us for our Spread a Smile outings and experiences. She recently came along for our VIP trip to The Lion King in London and met other cancer patients for a fabulous cookery session and meal with the Underground Cookery School.

Claire, Maisie’s Mum says: “When we found out about Maisie’s cancer, our world fell apart. We found ourselves living from scan to scan, sitting around in hospitals, watching our young daughter undergoing painful and upsetting surgery and treatments, whilst being separated from the rest of our family. The feelings of helplessness, desperation and extreme worry and anxiety were almost unmanageable.

“Spread a Smile has helped to brighten our days during some of the darkest times. They are like a breath of fresh air and have given Maisie so much to smile about. They help us to feel normal again and forget what Maisie is going through, even if it’s for a short time. What they do is truly wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for helping my daughter to find happiness amongst the pain.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support young people like Maisie and their families by donating today. Thank you.

Esha was just four years old when in May 2021 she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Following her diagnosis, she initially spent 15 weeks in Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) undergoing three intensive cycles of chemotherapy. However, after finding out that the initial chemotherapy had been ineffective, the family were told that she now needed a life saving bone marrow transplant which could be her last hope.

The doctors and the family began a global search for a stem cell match. After one more round of intensive chemotherapy during which time Esha became incredibly ill, a stem cell match was thankfully found in September 2021.

Esha underwent a bone marrow transplant in October 2021 and has been back at home since February 2022 recovering from some post-transplant complications.

In total, Esha spent nine months in hospital, five of those in complete isolation. Due to increased Covid restrictions, Esha was completely cut off from the rest of her family including her older sister, Ria. Spread a Smile supported Esha and her family during this time through one-to-one virtual sessions including art, sing-alongs, magic shows and cupcake decorating.

Esha’s Mum, Kav said: “The sessions with Spread a Smile were literally a lifeline to us whilst we were in hospital. We couldn’t see anyone or go anywhere. Just to see another human being meant the world to us and the fact that the sessions were simply about enjoying ourselves meant even more.”

Since returning home, Esha still spends most of her time in isolation, to help protect her body. She has continued her online art sessions with Spread a Smile – something she particularly enjoys.

“Esha really looks forward to her online art therapy sessions with Spread a Smile as they allow her to be creative and express herself during times when she needs to find an outlet, forget stuff and simply have fun. She is able to escape emotionally and mentally from what’s happening to her, channelling her energy and emotion and giving her ways to cope with the trauma of her experiences.

“Esha has missed two and a half years of school and has spent a large amount of that time in isolation. During this time, Spread a Smile has become part of our family. They helped us through our time in hospital, giving us hope and moments of distraction, happiness and normality. The impact they have had for Esha is huge, supporting her emotional well-being, especially during times of invasive and gruelling treatment when she was feeling the worst she could possibly feel. 

“Spread a Smile gave Esha something to look forward to and they still do! They help her to be a child again, doing normal fun activities that other children her age do. Thank you Spread a Smile for all that you have done and continue to do. You have certainly brought many ‘smiles’ to our Esha.”

Please help ensure we can continue to support children like Esha and their families by donating today. Thank you.