Tom and I are taking on the Isle of Wight Challenge after years of being incredibly annoying and constantly bugging Vicky to do it again. Vicky agreed to putting up with complaining and moaning as long as we agreed to raise vital funds and awareness for the amazing charity that is Spread a smile.

Spread a smile are a really incredible charity providing hospital visits to inpatients, video calls to children at home and special events in partnership with some wonderful companies.

As a family we have personally benefited from the work that they do, from Fairies, singers, poets and magicians visiting Henry on the ward. Video calls at home during Covid-19 and since, virtual birthday parties and Christmas boxes delivered by magical members of the team. One of the biggest things that we have been grateful for are the events that spread a smile organise. Including trips to the theatre to see Lion king for the girls whilst Henry was in hospital to days out in London Zoo and Henry's personal favourite, the Lego events. Days to be with other families in similar situations to take time away from the appointments and treatments and to just smile!

The other thing that we are always grateful for is how special they make siblings feel too, siblings can be forgotten about and not everyone thinks about how having a poorly sibling can affect them. Spread a smile always ensure that every child is thought about and all the children never come away from these events empty handed.

All of these things of course need funding and this is where we need your help, please can you help us reach our target to ensure that other families can be reached and more smiles can be spread as this charity partner with new hospitals as well as continue all the wonderful work they already do.

Our mission at Spread a Smile is to distract seriously ill children and teenagers from the monotony of long hospital stays by spreading joy and laughter.

Every year, our teams of entertainers make thousands of virtual and bedside visits, distracting children from pain and treatment, breaking the monotony of the hospital environment and creating positive memories for them, their parents and siblings. Our support also includes family events and outings, Smile TV, art workshops, painting children's radiotherapy masks and family support.