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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.

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.

Ciara was born with Down Syndrome alongside additional heart complications which led to heart surgery at 18 months old. She was hospitalised on several occasions for chest infections in her early years of life, battling several viruses and hip infections before being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. 

Ciara underwent three years of chemotherapy and steroid treatment in total, including weeks in PICU on life support. 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). 

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, some long-term effects of treatment still cause her issues and in January 2020 she developed a cholesteatoma, needing several operations on her ear to try and restore some hearing.

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 Spread a Smile’s 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’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.

“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 think the box of goodies Spread a Smile sent at Christmas and the make-up have been her absolute highlights.

“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 that 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.