As restrictions ease, and after what has being a very trying year, it is with great pleasure that the patrons of Smiles with Grace can announce they are hosting a 10k charity walk! This will be an incredible opportunity for people to come together again and earn some money for a great charity, set up by a truly amazing young woman who meant so much to us all. 

While the event will be a fantastic chance for us to collectively earn some funds for Smiles, in particular, the event is being hosted to earn some extra monies for Grace’s neurosurgeon, Dominic Thompson, who is carrying out research on encephalocele.

Encephalocele a rare yet serious birth defect which sees newborn babies’ brains forming on the outside of the skull. This is due to the neural tube, which closes during pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord, not closing properly and thus leading to the misplaced formation of the brain and surrounding membranes. This usually leads to disability and sometimes death. Dominic’s research will identify whether there are possible risk factors with a long term view of introducing surgery for the condition in the coming years. Smiles want to support Dominic in anyway possible, given how brilliant he was in working with Grace during her time in GOSH. 

We encourage as many as possible to take part in this event - friends, family, supporters of the charity, or anyone who wants to join. The route is suitable for all ages and fitness abilities, as you have the option to walk, run, or complete the 10k however you wish (bonus points for the most creative way!) We also encourage everyone to wear something purple to really make this a trademark Smiles event.

We hope to see some of you there on what is sure to be a fantastic day!

Date: Saturday August 7th 2021

Location: 10k route starting from Butler’s Retreat (12 Ranger's Rd, London E4 7QH)

Time: 10:30am

Additional details regarding transport and facilities can be found on the route map (see attached image)

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