Children’s charity adds to team with three new hires across Fundraising and Events

SPREAD a Smile, the charity on a mission to bring joy and laughter to seriously ill children in hospitals via talented entertainers including musicians, artists, magicians and therapy dogs, has appointed three new team members to support the crucial work that they undertake; Alicia Marriott joins as Fundraising Manager, Rosie Kimberley-Brooks as Admin and Logistics Coordinator and Tash Newall as Fundraising and Events Officer.

Alicia previously worked in the Fundraising Team at the Holocaust Educational Trust, supporting across all aspects of fundraising directly with corporate and individual supporters. In charge of small and larger events, including educational, promotional and social activities, she was instrumental in the development of the fundraising programme.

She joins Spread a Smile with a remit to deliver increased income via the Trusts & Foundations portfolio and support the running of the Special Events calendar, which includes Comedy Nights, Golf Days and Padel Tournaments.

On her new role, Alicia said:

“I’m thrilled to join Spread a Smile’s Fundraising team and engage supporters across all planned initiatives. My primary focus will be on Trusts & Foundation’s work, and I’ll support across Corporate and Major Donor fundraising where required. I’m excited to learn about the incredible work Spread a Smile does, which is vastly different from my previous experience, and to witness firsthand the profound impact of supporting seriously ill children. It is a privilege to work for such a worthwhile charity.”

Rosie Kimberley-Brooks steps into the newly created Admin and Logistics Coordinator role within the Services Team, where her focus will be supporting the ongoing organisation of the charity.

Of her appointment in the role, she said:

“My job is literally what it says on the tin.  I’ll lead the admin and logistics, and I love it already!  I’ve worked within the film and TV industry prior to this, and whilst I loved every moment, I just knew the charity sector would be the right move.”

She will support the charity across a range of different functions, logistics first with the ever-growing and fast-moving stock take of toys and donations, delivering new marketing and promotional assets to hospital and hospice partners and working across events with donations from brands and individuals the primary focus.

Tash Newall is announced as the third new starter, taking on the role of Fundraising and Events Officer. She will work within the Fundraising team ensuring delivery of the well-established events calendar as well as developing new and engaging events, and maximising income streams, alongside the Spread a Smile Community Fundraising Manager.

Newall will be working across all Special Events, which include the Spread a Smile Football Tournament, attended by Corporate supporters, and the annual Golf Days.

Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile Chief Executive said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Alicia, Natasha and Rosie to the Spread a Smile team. All of them will play an important role in helping us spread smiles to seriously ill children in hospital.”

In 2024-25, Spread a Smile will deliver 13,200 in-person bedside visits and over 2,640 virtual visits, in partnership with 32 NHS hospitals and six hospice partners, with the aim of increasing the number of partners to 45 this year.