Annual Xmas lunch 2024 raising £5,000
Spread a Smile receives generous support from The PMA’s annual Christmas lunch, raising £5,000 for the charity
Spread a Smile, the charity that brings joy and laughter to seriously ill children and young people in NHS hospitals and hospices across the UK, received a generous donation in December, for the second consecutive year, from The PMA (Property Managers Association) who raised the money at their annual Christmas Lunch, which took place at the Andaz, London, and was sponsored by Property Plus and Instavolt.
A tremendous £5,000 was raised at the event via a raffle and live auction, expertly hosted by comedian Dominic Holland. The event was attended by representatives from some of the UK’s largest retailers, including, Holland & Barrett, Lush, Greggs, EE, Sainsbury’s, TK Maxx, Loungers, River Island and Halfords and offered a special afternoon of giving back to a meaningful cause.
Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, joined members of the charity’s fundraising team at the event where she spoke on the night, sharing detail on the charity’s mission and the profound impact its work has on seriously ill children and their families. The money raised at the lunch will support the delivery of 167 bedside visits, where Spread a Smile’s entertainers bring joy and comfort to children during hospital stays, helping to alleviate the anxiety and pain of serious illness.
“Partnering with Spread a Smile as our chosen charity has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the PMA. Their dedication to bringing joy and support to seriously ill children and their families is truly inspiring and we are proud to support their mission. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and compassionate team.”
Lucy Jackson, Chief Executive of Spread a Smile, commented, “As a charity, Spread a Smile relies on the generosity of our supporters and partners to continue our vital work spreading smiles to seriously ill children, young people, and their families. Thanks to The PMA and the incredible guests at their annual lunch, we’ll be able to deliver even more bedside visits, providing fun and happiness during the darkest of times.”
Spread a Smile’s mission is to bring joy and laughter to as many seriously ill children as possible across the UK, whether in NHS hospitals, clinical settings, hospices, or their own homes.
About Spread a Smile
Since its founding in 2013, Spread a Smile has built a reputation for its compassionate work, enhancing the wellbeing of seriously ill children through in-person and virtual visits. With a range of entertainers – from magicians and musicians to artists, fairies, and therapy dogs – the charity aims to improve the hospital experience for young patients and their families. Additionally, the charity provides family-focused events to foster precious time together outside of hospital settings.
In 2024-25, Spread a Smile will deliver over 13,200 in-person bedside visits and over 2,640 virtual visits across 37 NHS hospitals and six hospice partners, with plans to expand to 45 partners this year.
Social Media Links:
Website: spreadasmile.org
Instagram: @spreadasmileuk
Facebook: Spread a Smile UK
Twitter: @spreadasmileuk
LinkedIn: Spread a Smile UK
