Below are stories of some of our SMILES DONE. Click here to view all photos

 

Gorgeous Phoebe is 4 and lives with brother Jack, mum Donna and grandma Barbara.  Mum has inoperable lung cancer and has good days and bad days.  She spends much time in hospital and Phoebe misses her mum a lot.

 

Phoebe had no idea about her special day and was most foxed when we arrived.  We explained that, despite lack of glitter and wands, we were sort of falry godmothers.  She wasn't convinced.  We had a big bag of presents which she unwrapped very quickly and found her princess outfit - pink dress, glittery shoes, tiara, and a Princess bag full of bits and pieces.  She dressed in a nano second and we told her that we would take her out for the afternoon.  Phoebe thought it would be ok to go on the bus until she saw the horse drawn Cinderella carriage outside her front door.  At this point Phoebe seemed a bit more convinced about us being fairy godmothers.

 

The carriage - pulled by Bobby - took Phoebe, Donna and Barbara along the road and magically Princess Phoebe knew that they were going to Macdonalds.  The VIPs were met by staff at Macdonalds where they were shown to the VIP area reserved especially for Princess Phoebe and her followers after been given a round of applause when they entered the restaurant.  Every Princess would choose a Happy Meal being careful not to get sauce on the pink dress.

 

Finally Bobby took Princess Phoebe home again ready to start school later that week - somehow we think that pink glittery shoes may become part of the uniform.

 

 

Hannah, 15 was found to have a brain tumour when she was 7. She recovered from this but the tumour returned and Hannah spent twelve months in hospital.  She has had an incredibly hard time as it has left her disabled, her sight and hearing have been affected and she is unable to swallow so has to be fed through tube in her stomach. 

She so deserved something to make her smile and asked if she and mum could go on a shopping trip to the Trafford Centre.  No problem at all. 

The 'big taxi' arrived to pick up Hannah, mum Karen and sister Chris (and nephew Oliver who has yet to make a personal appearance in the world) on a lovely sunny morning.  They drove off to the Manchester - Hannah with spending money and vouchers - in style with glasses of bubbly all ready to shop till they dropped!.

 

 

 Caitlin and Tayla are sisters age 12 and 14 who look after their mum who suffers badly from mental health problems.  Both girls look after the house and mum when she needs it often making sure she takes her medication.  Neither girl ever complains about it they 'just get on with it'.  Both girls love football - Caitlin loves to cook and Tayla loves to sing but both girls were had decided they wanted a lap top each.  So we whisked them off to Tesco where they got a notebook each.  That's the rest of the summer  holiday sorted for them!  and peace  and quiet for mum.

 

 Yazmin,13 lives with her mum who suffers from mental health problems and has been through a really hard time over the past few months.  She is primary carer for her mum who needs lots of love and support and Yazmin also keeps the house going.  She really deserves a smile at the moment.  Yazmin asked if she could have a  lap top.  No problem.  (Sorry no photo of Yazmin)

 

The quickest smile we have ever done happened when we went to meet Kirstyn to ask what she would like to do for her smile.  Kirstyn is 13 and looks after her mum and elder sister who both have learning difficulties.  Kirstyn has struggled to attend school when the demands at home were too much for her but recently the family have had more support from care workers so this has meant that Kirstyn has been able to attend regularly.  Everyone, including Kirstyn, is very proud of her acheivement so she was nominated for a smile.

 

She had thought that she would love a day at the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool but really deep down wanted a lap top but thought it was too much and didn't like to ask.  It so happened that when we went to visit we had just picked up a lap top for a smile later in the week so we were able to give this one to Kirstyn.  She was over the moon. ( And promised us that she will use the lap top to help her school work.)

 

13 year old Molly looks after her mum who has had mental health problems and needs lots of tlc.  Molly has felt a bit isolated and was really in need of a 'smile'.  There was only one thing that she wanted and that was a lap top.  Molly and mum were thrilled and amazed when we went round with one.  Not only did we see lots of lovely smiles but a few tears of happpiness too.

 

 

     Bethany, 11 is the big sister to three brothers.  She helps a lot ot home as brother Keiran, 9 has some problems and he takes up most of mum and dad's time and attention.  She helps with baby brother Finlay and she misses out on a lot of things such as family days out.

 

Bethany was very excited and had a dozen things that she would like to do but finally went for a new hair style. We took her to a salon where she was pampered - and, importantly,  had her favourite sweets given to her. 

 

Bethany looks a million dollars with her new style.

 

 

    Amber is the eldest of three beautiful little girls.  She is almost 7  - sister  Mia is 4 and Lacey is 2.  Amber was diagnosed earlier this year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and since her diagnosis has been through a ton of treatment. She has spent more time in hospital that at school and in September when she goes back to school will be Mrs Graham's special helper.  Her hair is just growing back and Amber cannot wait for it to become 'Princess hair' once again. She will continue to have treatment for -  literally -  years.

 

We were asked if we could get Amber a lap top which - apart from anything - will help her with her school work - thought to be honest that isn't half as interesting as playing games and painting pictures!

 

Job's a good un.  We went and delivered our parcel to Amber who was thrilled and we got three fantastic smiles from three fantastic little girls.  Now that's a bargain!

Sixteen year old Ashleigh was nominated by her mum.  Ashleigh's older sister, Alex has learning difficulties and had recently been diagnosed with Melas.  In the past twelve months Ashleigh discovered that she suffers frim Crohn's disease.  Because of this she has had to spend quite a bit of time in hospital and quite a lot of time off school.  She has to take lots of medication and as mum says:  she worries about her own health but worries more about her sister.  A deserving case.

Ashleigh asked if we would organise a makeover for her Prom night and if she could go to the Prom in a horse drawn Cinderella carrriage.

We took Ashleigh for a spray tan a couple of days before the Prom and on the afternoon of the Prom we took her to be pampered.  She had her make-up, hair and nails done and looked a proper bobby dazzler.

Sister Alex went to meet the carriage and rode in it back to the family home where Ashleigh was waiting dressed in rose pink and looking truly stunning.  Dad had been despatched to pick up friends who were also going to the Prom in the carriage.  All heads turned, cars stopped and people came out of their houses to see the girls as Bart the horse pulled them to the venue.  A magical smile.

Nicole and her mum both suffer from a rare condition called Oculodentodigital dysplasia.  They are the only ones in the home - apart from Daisy the dog and Kiwi the parrot -and so Nicole helps her mum in evey way possible.  Mum struggles with many things and often has to use a wheelchair.  Nicole loves animals but chose to go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach as she loves to go on rides.

Best friend Nikita and grandma Ann were ready and waiting - all wearing the same style shoes -  on a lovely sunny Sunday and were thrilled to be taken to the Pleasure Beach in a limo.  Gran Ann reported back that they had had a really fantastic time but she felt like she'd been through a tumble dryer!

12 year old Laura is part of a dance group called Preston Rosettes.  Laura's mum has been ill for a couple of years with cancer and has had to undergo lots of treatment.  Laura's dance teacher, Nicola, told us that every year all the girls go away with their mums for a weekend to the UK championships. It is a great time for all the team members and supporters to have fun and after the dancing they relax and celebrate their season - and hopefully, their win!  BUT due to mum's illness it looked like Laura and mum wouldn't be able to afford to go and so Nicola asked if Miles of Smiles would pay for them.  Laura loves her dancing and has been part of the group since she was about 4 years old.  How could we say no?!?

 

The Rosettes are off to the championships in November and going with them will be Laura and her mum Susan.  We also gave them some spending money and importantly, some New Look vouchers to Laura so she can have some new outfits for the weekend. 

 

GOOD LUCK ROSETTES!!

Khalida cares for her mum and younger brother.  She carries out all household tasks and worries a great deal about her family.  She doesn't get much time to herself and sometimes struggles to juggle her responsibilties and college.  Khalida thought about what she would like for a long time and then gave us a real challenge - she has asked for a bedroom makeover.  This is totally over our budget but we came to a compromise. 

We took Khalida shopping one afternoon so she could choose new bedding and cushions and lamps and a table and curtains and general bits and pieces that make a bedroom look special.  It wasn't up to our usual standard but it made Khalida and her mum smile and that's what we love to do!

Vicky is the youngest of six and has spend years helping her mum look after her brothers who have learning difficulties.  Vicky herself has had her problems and has spent long periods in hospital - recently she had one four month spell in Lancaster.  Vicky has asked if she could go on a shopping trip with her mum to Manchester.

They were both waiting outside for the 'taxi' and were at a loss for words when the limo arrived.  Armed with cash and vouchers they hit the shops till the feet were killing them and Vicky said she bought loads of 'lovely things'. Wonderful

 

 Nine year old Georgia lives with her mum, Tracy.  Tracy has cancer and has to undergo regular treatment which tires her out.  Georgia helps mum with the household tasks and looks after mum when she is recovering from her chemo. She was nominated by her godmother, Julia who said that Georgia really deserved a 'smile'.  She had no idea that she had been nominated so it was a bit of a shock when we appeared at the front door.  So much so she had no idea what to choose. 

 

Eventually after much mulling, Georgia decided she's like to go to a concert and we managed to get her tickets to see Lady Gaga at the MEN in Manchester.  A special night needs a new outfit so we gave Georgia some vouchers to buy something special and didn't she look a bobby dazzler on the night!  Georgia, best friend Freya, mum and god mum Julia were all at a loss for words when the 'taxi' arrived. They weren't expecting a limo. 

 

Lady Gaga was, according to Georgia, great and the limo was 'beautiful'. Enough said!

 

Chris, 14,  cares for both his mum and dad who suffer from poor health.  He supports his sister, helps her with her homework and does all the household chores.  Nothing fazes him and he takes everything in his stride.  Chris has asked for an Xbox 360.  A nice easy 'smile' for us to do.

 

We took Chris to Argos where he chose the Xbox and several games.  It'll keep him and sister Faye busy for ages.  Lovely lad that deserves a treat.

 

 

Roxanne is 16 and is a great support to her mum.  She helps to look after her younger brother and sister and has had a bit of a rough time recently.  She puts eveyone's needs before her own and really deserves a 'smile'.

 

Roxanne asked if she could have an IPOD Touch phone as her 'smile'.  Of course she could  - so we went straight to Argos and got her one.  The quickest smile ever.  Even beating Seb's Nintendo.

 

 

 7 year old Morgan is like a little mother to her younger brother, Jack.  Jack can be quite hard work and very demanding due to his difficulties.  Little Jack has speech & language problems,  dyspraxia and asd. Morgan never moans or retaliates even when Jack pulls her hair or hits her.  Mum, Michelle told us that Morgan can be pushed out and takes second place due to Jack's needs.  Morgan just wanted a special time with her mum so she thought it would be quite nice of the two of them went to a show - so we sent them to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Manchester. 

 

Morgan was delighted when she saw that there was £20 spending money tucked inside the tickets and she was speechless when the limo arrived to take them to the show.  Two lovely ladies arriving in style!

 

 

 

Brendan lives with his mum, Debra, who is has cancer.  Debra is quite poorly and Brendan is a brilliant support to her.  Brendan had no idea that he had been nominated for a 'smile' so had no idea what he wanted to do when asked him.  He finally decided that he would like to go for a day to the Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool with some friends in a limo.

 

Brendan, four of his friends and two mums set off in style drinking sparkly drinks and being VIPS on a sunny Sunday morning.  They were met by the staff and then enjoed a really brilliant day playing at the park.  Everyone was really tired when they got back.  A lovely day for everyone.

Kieran is 9 and lives with his mum who has very poor health and dad who is visually impaired.  He helps his mum around the house and his dad when he struggles to see.  He also helps to look after his little sister, Ellie.  Kieran is a big Southport FC fan and has asked if we can arrange for him to meet them.

Southport FC were wonderful and arranged for Kieran to be a mascot.  Kieran, mum, dad, Ellie and best friend Imran travelled to Haig Avenue in a limo and were met by Hadyn Preece the club's Chief Executive.  They all enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Players' Lounge then Kieran went to get changed into the strip given to him by the club.  Before he met the playershe enjoyed a kick about with Imran then went through the tunnel leading the team out onto the pitch. 'This is my dream' he said.  Everyone watched the exciting match in the Vice President's Box and saw Southport draw 3 all with Droylsden.

After the game Kieran was invited back to the Player's Lounge where he was given a signed match ball.  Massive smiles for the whole family.

 

Katie cares for her mum who has many health problems including fibromyalgia.  Katie is 13 and helps mum around the house and also gives her emotional support.  Katie has asked if she can go and see the band UME@6.  who were appearing at Manchester Apollo theatre. 

 

Katie spent the £50 voucher from New Look that we gave to her and look pretty dazzling when we picked her and friend, Amy, up.  Mum had a weep when she saw the limo.  Dad unfortunately, was working away so missed all the fuss.  Brother Matthew looked up from his tea and went to the window to watch.

 

Katie and Amy joined the very long queue outside the Apollo and didn't notice the cold at all.  They had an absolutely brilliant time.

 

 

Brother and sister Stephen, 16 and Sarah, 12 were nominated by their Aunty May.  Their elder brother Jason has been severely disabled from birth and is now very ill.  This means that things like holidays or even just family days out are impossible.  Their needs often come second to those of Jason who requires all mum and dad's attention.and Aunty May said that they love their brother so much - they find it difficult to see him as ill as he is.

 

Stephen decided he would like to go paintballing.  Along with his friends Gareth and Steven they were thrilled to see a limo outside the door ready to transport them to the paintballing site.  At the end of a very bumpy track we came to the paintballing site where along with 20+ other like minded young men they spent the morning shooting each other and having a brilliant time in the cold.  The day finished at Macdonalds, of course.

 

Sarah is a big JLS fan who happened to be appearing in Blackpool.  We managed to get some tickets for the show but before that gave Sarah £50 to buy a new outfit for her special night.  A VIP trip in the limo, drinking sparkly 'wine' started their night off in style.  The waited in the queue for a few minutes before hurtling in to the theatre.  They sang and danced and screamed and generally had a really fantastic night.  Back home in the limo they swore that Marvin was just gorgeous and it had been a wonderful night.

 

 

 

David is 10 and helps to look after both his younger brother Logan who has learning difficulties and mum who has severe heart problems.  He sometimes misses school because of his caring role and doesn't have much free time.  David asked if he could ride in a tank.  Problem here - the tanks are all in Afghanistan!  So he had mentioned he'd like to captain a boat.

 

On Christmas Eve David and his friend Adam were taken in a bright red Tonka type truck to Liverpool Docks.  There they were met by staff from the Mersey Ferry company and at 2.10 they boarded the Royal Daffodil.  It was very cold but David - now dressed in his captain's outfit - and Adam were shown round the vessel as it crossed the Mersey.  They finally arrived in the engine room where David with the help of the captain -  took the helm. He happily steered it until it finally docked back where it had started.

 

The perfect end to a fabulous Christmas eve had to be Macdonald's.  Then off home to wait for Father Christmas.

 

 

 

One of our 'smile' children from last year has been through a tough time in hospital recently so we decided it was time for another 'smile'

Chelsea sang on the stage during the panto in Blackburn last Christmas so we needed to do something different this time. 

During our trip to Blackpool Illuminations we saw the most wonderful horse drawn Cinderella carriage that was all lit up and Chelsea immediately came to our minds.  As she is in so much pain we had to wait till quite a while after her operation. 

On the day, Chelsea had no idea at all that anything was going to happen so when the front room curtains were pulled back and she saw the carriage she was, for a short time, lost for words. 'Is it for me?  A royal princess carriage.'

It was really cold and foggy but after saying hallo to Bridie the horse, Chelsea was bundled up tightly in her wheelchair inside the carriage and off they trotted though the streets.  Friends and neighbours had been primed and came out to wave her off.  Chelsea sat back and enjoyed the journey seeing all the Christmas lights on the houses.

As we arrived at Chelsea's local community centre we could hear the chant 'Chelsea! Chelsea!' and standing in the freezing cold were friends, neighbours and generally Chelsea's many fans.  They held a banner saying 'We love Chelsea' and 'Princess Chelsea'.  They crowded round the coach giving Princess Chelsea cards and kisses.  Then off back home with pre arranged another stop on the way.

A magical time for a special young lady.

Naomi is almost 12 and her older brother Sam who is autistic. Earlier this year Sam had to go and live away from the family home and Naomi misses very much.  He is, she says, her best friend.  Whilst life at home is in some ways a lot easier, Sam's being away from home has left a big hole in everyone's life.

Naomi came up with the idea of going to the set of Coronation Street...........  hmmmm....... we weren't at all sure we'll be able to do that.  But as usual, we tried our best and amazingly we did it. 

Naomi's biggest surprise was her and mum's transport to the Street.  The look on her face was amazing when Phil came to the door but she soon got used to the VIP life as we hurtled down the motorway.

We were met at the studio by our guide, Alan, who took us onto the actual street.  Naomi ran round trying every door and having her picture taken just about everywhere. The we went into the studio and saw the sets - the Kabin, Rovers, Dev's shop, the taxi office and all the houses.  While we were looking we bumped into Steve and Becky who had their photos taken with Naomi.  Off to lunch in the canteen where we met Simon's grandad George (more photos) and saw Ken Barlow too. A final trip down the street and then back in the limo to head for home but not before we saw Jeremy Kyle outside the studio.

 

 Naomi said afterwards:  'Thanks to Miles of Smiles.  You put a massive smile on my face that never came off and that I will always remember.'

 

 

 

The quickest 'smile' ever took place when we went to meet Seb.   Seb looks after his mum who suffers from many health problems.  He really wanted a Nintendo WII so as the shops were open and we didn't need to wait - we left immediately for Argos where thankfully, there were 28 in stock.  To make it even more special we also got a dance mat.  Seb smiled and smiled.  He certainly hadn't expected that when he got up that morning.  But Seb is a star and deserved a treat.

Little Ruby is 5 and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was two and a half.  In all she has had to endure more than two years of intensive treatment.  Her mum, Manda, told us that throughout all of this she has been an inspiration and has never stopped smiling.  Mum asked us to organise a smile for her as she deserves a special treat - something to remember always.  Her very favourite thing would be to see Hannah Montana in Manchester at the end of this year but unfortunately the concert was sold out.  We did manage to get front row seats for the next best thing - High School Musical 2 - at the Opera House in Manchester.

Ruby and best friend Erin were all dressed up and very excited when we went to pick them up.  When they saw the 'taxi' they were at a loss for words.  It was the longest taxi they'd ever seen - a limo.  Everyone had a wonderful time - a trip to remember for a long time,

 

 

Tom is twelve and has two older brothers both of whom have severe learning disabilities.  Tom helps mum and dad care for them both which is hard work as they are quite demanding.  Initially Tom asked if he could go in a fast car - a Ferrari or the like - but when we told him he could take a friend he changed his mind and has asked if he can be picked up from school in a limo. 

 

Because brothers Nathan and Ashley take up so much of mum and dad's time and energy, Tom often finds that his needs come last. This wasn't the case on his 'smile' day!

 

The limo arrived in the school car park and Tom's whole class were green with envy when they looked out of the window. We xplained why Tom had been chosen for a 'smile' and everyone clapped.  No one could have doubted who the limo was for as we had a massive banner reading 'LIMO FOR TOM HINDS' and a PA system announcing the fact!

 

Tom, best friend Liam and girlfriend Tara were whisked home to get changed then taken off for tea along with their mums Gill and Ann.  There was a slight detour on the way to the restaurant via an exclusive garage that is stocked with Ferraris, Aston Martins, Bentleys and many other very swish cars.  Tom was at a loss for words as he wandered round. He sat in a black Ferrari and vowed to work very hard at school so that one day maybe................ he could come back and buy one.

 

Everyone then enjoyed a really fabulous meal and there were many, many smiles. Tom was looking forward to going to school the next day to make everyone even more envious.  A well deserved treat.

 

Naomi lives with her mum and dad both of whom suffer from ill health. Naomi who is fifteen runs the household and helps mum and dad as much as she can.  Sometimes when she needs a break Naomi stays with her gran and at times with her auntie.  She works really hard at school and hopes to be a journalist.

Naomi asked if we can get tickets for her to go and see the band Green Day who were on at the MEN.  All venues were sold out so we had got our work cut out but due to hard work and persistence we managed to get two tickets.

Naomi chose her friend Danielle to accompany her on the trip.  Both girls looked stunning when we went to pick them up and both girls were stunned when they saw the transport - the limo.  The arrived at the venue like VIPS and had a really brilliant time watching their favourite band.
 

 

 

Ammarah has had a really tough time recently with looking after mum and also big sister duties to little sister, Fatima, aged 3 and problems at school.  So it was time she had a 'smile'.

 

She chose a shopping trip so we all went to Bolton as she'd never been there before.  Armed with £100 she aimed for New Look, Primark and H & M.  It didn't take her long to spend up and she went home with about twenty tops, leggings and boots - all in black or grey.  she'll look stunning in all of them.

 

Rosie is twelve and helps mum around the house and with her younger brother and sister.  Dad has a visual impairment and Rosie helps out doing practical stuff for him and mum suffers from regular bouts of ill health.  She's had a few problems herself and so has been nominated for a smile.

Rosie has asked if she can go to Blackpool Illuminations with some friends in a limo. 

To make it extra special we gave Rosie some spending money to buy an outfit to go on her special trip.  A limo ride needs new outfits!

It was just going dark when six very excited young people clambered into the limo.  They were served sparkling 'wine' and watched dvds as they drove to Blackpool.  The illuminations came second to shouting out of the windows at all the passers by.  It was great fun.  Everyone was tired when they got back home - tired but smiling - and we finished our special treat with a goody bag for Rosie and her special friends.

 

Last year we had a really lovely smile for Chelsea who sang on the stage during the pantomime in Blackburn.  Mum contacted us asking if we could give brother Timmy a 'smile' too.  Timmy has cerebral palsy has to use a wheelchair full time, has severe learning difficulties and struggles with communication but he LOVES the Teletubbies.

 

The Teletubbies were appearing at the Trafford Centre so we arranged for Timmy, mums Alison and Barbara and Aunty Joan to be VIPs.  Everyone had a truly wonderful time, singing and dancing along with the Teletubbies - not least Timmy who smiled through the whole show.

 

 

 

 

Jordan is 14 and helps both mum and dad.  Mum, Sharon, has emphysema and is on oxygen 14 hours a day as well as inhalers and medication. She rarely leaves the house and when she does has to go in a wheelchair.    Dad, Joe,  also has health problems having had major back surgery when he had rods inserted.

 

Jordan helps with the shopping, washes up, vacuums and does the laundry so he well deserving of a smile.

 

His choice was to go to the zoo for a day.   Jordan, brother Anthony and sister, Louise all arrived is style in a limo to be met by staff at Blackpool Zoo.  Jordan got very involved with the lemurs - helping feed them and playing with them and he also helped the lion keepers get their food ready.  They spent the whole day amongst the animals and arrived home with over 400 photographs of a very special day for a very deserving young man.

 

 

 

 

 

Emma W is 14 and helps look after her sister Kayleigh who has learning difficulties.  It can be very frustrating for everyone but Emma manages to make Kayleigh laugh.  There are four sisters altogether and Emma sometimes feels a little left out and badly done to - so its a perfect time for a 'smile'.

 

Emma was thrilled skinny simply to have been nominated and said she would like anything at all.  But we managed to choose a makeover and new outfit as her 'smile'.

 

She spent the morning in the beauty salon being pampered and came out looking like a new girl with a fab new hair style and gel nails so we needed to shop till we dropped.  Lunch had to be KFC as Pizza Hut was too busy and it would have meant having less shopping time but we managed!   Emma had a brilliant time choosing tops and jeans and bracelets and shoes and a watch.  It was great just to be able to spoil her and I know Emma had a wonderful time. 

 

 

 

******* 

Stuart is a caring young carer from Lower Darwen.  He cares for his mum who is a wheelchair user and is disabled himself having to use crutches.  Older sister, Vikki, has recently left home to go to university so Stuart and his mum take care of each other now.

Stuart decided that he would like to share his 'smile' and chose a family meal somewhere where he could 'choose anything off the menu'.

 

It was a sunny evening on Easter Monday when the 'taxi' arived to take the family - Stuart, mum, Vikki, her fiance, Phil and nan off on their journey.  They were all thrilled when a limo turned up at the front door and piled in enjoying drinks and tv.  It was a long journey through the Ribble Valley to the Parkers Arms in Newton winding through many country lanes - not the easiest thing in a thirty foot car!  But Phil from Sophisticars has had tougher challenges and everyone arrived safely.

 

AJ from the Parkers Arms was there to meet the party.  They soon settled down with drinks and menus. Everyone eat well and was suitably stuffed having enjoyed themselves thoroughly.   And just for the record Stuart had two puddings!  How brilliant!

 

 

Ebony is 8 and lives with her mum. Ebony is a young carer helping mum with the shopping and tidying and washing.  Sometimes, when mum is very ill, Ebony has to go and live with her auntie and they don't often go out together on family days.

Ebony asked if she could have a VIP trip to the cinema or, maybe, a fireman's lift and to go to the fire station to have a look round. 

At Mile of Smiles we try not to do things by halves.  The Odeon cinema in Preston were very happy to help - Ebony wanted to see 'Bolt' which was on over the half term break.  Then we contacted the Red Watch at Preston fire station.......

Ebony received a letter telling her she was to be a VIP guest and we'd pick her up at 2.30pm.  She didn't know  that the 'WE' was Red Watch.  As a VIP guest, a new outfit was needed so as she changed into her designer outfit mum and the rest of the family hopped from foot to foot in excitement waiting for the knock on the door.  The look on Ebony's face when she saw two strapping fireman was wonderful.  She truly was at a loss for words.  But not being a shy girl - it took her about two seconds to get to the fire engine.  The whole crew were there to welcome her and show her and her cousin, Megan the engine.  Family, neighbours and friends crowded round to see what was happening.

When we arrived at the cinema the press were waiting - what else can you expect when you have VIPs visit?  Ebony got the chance to drown everyone when she held the fire hose.  (Not so much fun for those of us watching!)  We waved goodbye to Red Watch then off to buy popcorn, drinks and sit in the reserved seats to watch 'Bolt' but not before the Odeon gave Ebony and Megan posters of the film.

Ebony's 'smile' ended in Macdonalds before going home to find space for all the posters on her bedroom wall.  It was, as Ebony said,  'Paradise.  The best day of her life' and she gave it 100/10.

*****

Chloe lives with her mum, dad. brother and we mustn’t forget Bobby the dog.

 

Dad lives with a degenerative disc disease and brother Alex has cerebral palsy.  If that wasn’t enough mum, Heather was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She’s had to undergo major surgery with treatment and more surgery to follow.  Needless to say, Chloe is finding all this very hard to deal with so she was nominated for a ‘smile’.

 

When we visited her Chloe asked if she could have a portfolio of photographs.  No problem we said.  In fact, not only can we do that but we gave her some spending money so that mum and Chloe could have a girly afternoon buying some bargains. (Just in case, she didn’t have enough outfits to take to the photoshoot.)

 

Chloe took mum along to the studio with her where Jo from House of Colour did the make up and Lesley from WOW Photographic took over 650 shots.  Chloe, who is normally a quiet girl, really threw herself into the part of being a model – she pouted and giggled and shimmied and thoroughly enjoyed herself with mum looking on all the time and occasionally joining Chloe for the odd shot. 

 Lesley had to whittle down the 650+ shots to 10!  Some task.  Not only did she do this but she invited friends and family back to the studio for the presentation of the portfolio.  Not only was there a portfolio but a dvd of about 80 of the photos and a framed print of mum and Chloe and a cream cake for everyone!  Some afternoon.

 Chloe’s portfolio is amazing.  She looks beautiful and vibrant and sophisticated.  Mum shed tears of pride, dad looked a bit concerned at how adult his little girl looked but all in all it was a wonderful afternoon with miles and miles of smiles. 

 

*****

We recently received a phone call from Caitlin’s mum.

Caitlin, she told us, had lost her dad to cancer last year just two days after her twelfth birthday.  Since then, Caitlin has helped to raise almost £5000 for cancer research and the local hospice.  As mum said, not bad for a girl who has herself a  fair share of problems including a rare genetic disorder, autism, hearing impairment, asthma and learning difficulties.

For her thirteenth birthday Caitlin decided she would like a party not only for family and friends but it also had to include thirty five children who have suffered or are going through a trauma similar to hers. As Caitlin put it – she wanted ‘them to smile for a day’.

The party was organised – not an inexpensive event - and Caitlin still asked for nothing for herself.  However, one afternoon Caitlin saw a limo driving past and she said that one day she would like to ride ‘in one of those and it would be nice to go to the party in one’.

Could Miles of Smiles help with this, asked mum.  No problem we said.  In fact not only can we arrange a ride in a limo but we bought Caitlin an outfit for the special day too.

The limo was a surprise.  Caitlin had no idea she was to ride to the party in such style.  At least it was until gran came into the living room where everyone was waiting and said; ‘The limo’s arrived.’ Best laid plans of mice and men and all that!  Hey ho.   Caitlin hurtled outside – nearly knocking chauffeur Phil from Sohisticars to the ground – where she saw her very own carriage.   A big, sparkly, special car for our VIP.   Caitlin, her friends and gran all climbed in to the car where they watched tv and drank sparkly drinks on the journey to the party.  They felt like pop stars.  Caitlin felt wonderful. 

A special treat for a very special teenager. 

********

 

Megan's 'smile' was more good luck and tenacity than anything else.  Megan is 15 and suffers from spinal muscular atrophy.  She is confined to bed virtually all the time.   Megan is a big Pussycat Dolls fan and had tickets to see them in Manchester last week.  Mum tried

to arrange to get Megan backstage to meet the Dolls but came across nothing but brick walls.  Miles of Smiles looked on this

as a challenge!  Many phone calls and emails later - we got the go ahead!  Megan was to go backstage and meet her idols.

 

Of course, this was the day that there was a big pile up on the M61 so tension was high in the taxi to the MEN.  After virtually three hours

travelling Megan, mum Karen, sister Emma and carer Emma T finally arrived just as the support act, Neo,  was on stage.  Staff at the

MEN were expecting our VIP.

 

The Dolls were on and just as the show was coming to a close backstage staff came to collect Megan and her family.  Down in the

manager's lift,  through mysterious doors and along secret corridors and into a room reserved for VIPS.  The Dolls manager Dean,

came into meet Megan and co. Everyone was so excited they nearly burst.  Luckily they didn't as the girls came in a few minutes later

and hurtled over to meet Megan.  Gorgeous, tiny, friendly, thoughtful, funny - the Pussycat Dolls.  They spent about fifteen minutes with Megan, had photographs taken and gave her a few Doll goodies before shooting off to the next venue.

 

Nothing can express how special this was for Megan and her family - but her smile says it all.  (Sorry no photo of this at present)

******

We had two more smiles recently. 

 

One handsome young man from Preston went go-karting.  He enjoyed an afternoon hurtling round the race track looking like Lewis Hamilton followed by a slap up meal. 

 

Shopping in the Trafford Centre was the choice of Gemma.  Gemma looks after her mum who suffers from ill health and finds it difficult to have any 'me' time.  Gemma was overcome with all  the wonderful shops and the choice of clothes in them.  She tried on lots of different oufits and actually managed to go home with some spare cash!  Two shopping trips for the price of one.

 

******

*****

 

James is from Bamber Bridge near Preston.  James, 7 is lively, chatty, very handsome and football mad.  Mum, Helen nominated James for a ‘smile’ as she and dad Ian are so proud of James.

James’ elder brother, Jack has many medical problems which affect the whole family and they are unable to do things that other families take for granted such as going on family days out.  James is very proud of Jack and supports him and helps him all he can.  It is the small things that James does to help Jack that make Helen and Ian proud – making sure Jack is not left out and holding his hand when he is being fed.

James asked if his ‘smile’ could be for him to be a mascot for his local football team, Bamber Bridge.  James’ special day started with an interview for Radio Lancashire when James was asked to compose a team song.  All I can say is that his football talents are far greater then his song writing!

That evening, Bamber Bridge police chauffeured the family to the ground where they were met by the chairman, Terry Gammans.  James was given a massive goody bag before giving the team talk.  He led the team out onto the pitch and then finally, chose the Man of the Match.  The score might not have been as James would have liked but it didn’t really matter.

A wonderful time for a special young man and smiles all around.

 

 

 

*****