It is now over 5 years since Sam passed away on 4th April 2019, aged 7, almost 8. Every year, since Sam was diagnosed and in his memory, family Hanson have tried to complete an event or 2 to raise money for the amazing charities that benefited Sam on his journey. This year we will be raising money for a firm favourite - 'Spread a Smile'.

As a lot of you know by now, Sam had been battling Leukaemia since Dec 2015 and had been in remission for over 2 years before he relapsed in June 2018. Sam received further treatment and a bone marrow transplant at GOSH on 24th October 2019, with Rhys as his donor. He was once again in remission and recovering at home when he was cruelly taken from us by an aggressive infection that his recovering immune system could not fight.

Gareth's Challenge

After a few memorable cycling events on the continent, this year I will be returning to my roots and completing the Dragon Devil on 23 June 2024, a 300Km ride with 4433M of climbing. Starting and finishing not too far from 'Home' in South Wales and covering what will feel like most of Wales this is likely to be a 12hr Epic. If summer arrives, this could be a beautiful ride, if it doesn't this could be bleak!

Jude's Challenge

This year I'm heading down to Devon for the River Dart 10km swim on 8 September 2024, billed as " the finest, marathon-distance outdoor swim in the UK." It's apparently a wild, long, and sometimes cold swim from Totnes to Greenway and swimming's equivalent of running the London Marathon. I'm hoping for nice weather, no wind and minimal chop!

Rhys' Challenge

I'm taking part in my first Olympic distance triathlon on 22 September 2024. It's the first year I've been old enough. I will be swimming 1.5 km, cycling 40km and then running 10km. Wish me luck!

Sam

Sam would have been a teenager this year, but in our hearts and mind he remains 7, almost 8. We continue to have fond memories of the laughs and smiles 'Spread a Smile' brought to us in hospital. Even when in isolation after the bone marrow transplant, we were treated to magicians and performers through the window in our room. We even had a special trip to the theatre to see Matilda and Rhys had magic lessons with the wonderful Martin the Magician.

With your support 'Spread a Smile' have gone from strength to strength spreading smiles to seriously ill children in 27 NHS hospitals and 3 hospices. We treasure the memories we have with 'Spread a Smile' and with your help 1000's of others will too.

Ever conscious that it is often the same people donating year after year, we cannot thank you enough for your continued support. You're all Amazing - Thank You!

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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.