Back for the second consecutive year, this dynamic partnership — endorsed by the awards' main sponsor West One — aims to amplify support for the charity's impactful initiatives.

Spread a Smile brings smiles and laughter to seriously ill children and their families during the most difficult times of their lives.

Its magicians, face-painters, singers, and therapy dogs bring moments of joy to hospital bedsides, offering a much-needed distraction to young patients and their families, helping them cope with illness and treatment.

Its services are available free of charge to all children and teenagers up to the age of 18 and, along with hospital visits, the charity runs outings, events, and art initiatives to help create positive family moments.

For example, Spread a Smile personalises radiotherapy masks for children and teenagers going through treatment for brain, head, and neck cancer at UCLH and The Royal Marsden, with an aim to make the masks less frightening and help children manage their treatment better.

It also creates bespoke window art for hospital wards to celebrate special occasions such as Christmas, Eid, and Diwali, as well as artworks painted for individual children to decorate their hospital spaces.

To help raise the funding it needs, Spread a Smile will be speaking at the B&C Awards 2024 on 6th June at the Hurlingham Club.

“West One has worked with Spread a Smile for seven years and, having developed a strong working relationship over this time, we look to continuously provide our support to this fantastic charity,” said Tom Cantor, head of bridging at West One.

“Their remarkable efforts in bringing joy to seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families are truly inspiring.

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“As the main sponsor of the B&C Awards this year, our goal is to not only celebrate excellence in our industry, but also to make a meaningful impact by raising significant donations for this amazing charity.”

Lucy Jackson, chief executive at Spread a Smile, added: "We are delighted to be chosen for the second year running as charity partner for the B&C Awards.

“Last year's event was an incredible evening and it was a privilege to be invited to join the award celebrations and share Spread a Smile's work with everyone in the room.

“Our thanks go to Medianett Publishing for its continued support and West One for creating this opportunity for us.”

Beth Fisher, managing director at Medianett Publishing, commented: “Last year, the generous specialist finance industry raised a record-breaking £19,000 for Spread a Smile at the B&C Awards, helping the charity bring smiles and laughter to hundreds of children when they need it most.

“We are on a mission to break the fundraising record once again in June!”

To find out more about the B&C Awards 2024, check out our detailed article, which provides all the information you may need about the awards process and more.

Voting opened earlier this month and professionals are encouraged to choose their preferred winners of the 24 awards here.

For all table enquiries and support sponsorships, please email Beth Fisher at [email protected].