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

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

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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)

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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.

 

 

 

*****