We are a national children’s charity, registered with the charity commission for England and Wales in 2012 (Registration Number:1150013).
We support children and young people across the UK, up to the age of 18, who are living with a wide range of complex and life-limiting medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to, leukaemia, cerebral palsy, sensory impairments such as deafness and blindness, terminal illnesses, and other conditions that significantly impact daily life.
We work closely in partnership with Social Services, schools, Speech and Language Therapists, and a broad range of healthcare professionals to ensure that families receive coordinated and meaningful support.
In recent years, we have sadly seen an increase in referrals involving families affected by domestic violence and abuse, and we respond wherever possible to ensure vulnerable children are safeguarded and supported.
Our services are designed to provide both emotional and practical assistance, helping to reduce social isolation, promote inclusion, and enable children to lead more fulfilled and enriched lives. This support may include the provision of specialist disability equipment, respite breaks, educational opportunities, and direct assistance to parents and carers.
Our overarching aim is to help as many children and families as possible—whether through funding day trips, medical equipment, respite care, hospital travel, or, in the most heartbreaking circumstances, supporting families to make a child’s remaining time as comfortable and meaningful as possible, including, where achievable, fulfilling a child’s final wishes.
What We Do:
We provide financial support through the purchase of, or grants towards, specialist medical equipment to significantly improve the quality of life for children with complex needs.
We assist families with the cost of hospital travel, ensuring that children can access vital appointments and treatment without added financial strain.
Where appropriate, we make grants to help cover the cost of medical treatments and therapeutic interventions.
We offer much-needed respite breaks at our specially adapted holiday homes located at Golden Sands, Mablethorpe, providing families with a safe and supportive environment in which to rest and recharge.
In addition, we provide holidays at our specially adapted holiday home at Butlins Skegness, giving families the opportunity to spend precious time together away from the pressures of daily life.
We also help families with the cost of essential home adaptations, enabling children to live more safely and comfortably within their own homes.
At Make Them Smile, we do more than sustain a child’s life — we strive to enhance it. By promoting independence, confidence, and self-esteem, we help children experience joy, create lasting memories, and enjoy the childhood every child deserves.
Meet the Team:
Paul Flatley:
Family Support
Welfare Officer
Respite Coordinator
Dawn Stirk:
Family Support
Welfare Officer
Respite & Holiday Coordinator
Mr Robert Adams:
Welfare Officer
Grant Officer
Karen Robeson:
Bereavement officer
Kelly McWilliams:
Bereavement officer
Toby Richardson:
Our ambassador
Our Trustees:
