As a very small charity –
we don’t have a bus load of trustees who meet regularly and make decisions about what we do. Our trustees are volunteers too. We all get involved in anything that is going on. And there are no wages or expenses. We do what we do because we really like it and we hope it makes a difference to our ‘smile families’.
We have done some really lovely ‘smiles’ and seen some even lovelier ones on the faces of our youngsters.
This is me with Lily – as it says ‘one of my best friends’. The other one is a Golden Retriever called Nancy. Both of these girls keep me busy when I am not trying to raise money for the charity or organise what we are going to do for our next ‘smile’. I started Miles of Smiles because it seemed like a good idea at the time. And it has been. Unfortunately, there are lots of youngsters who don’t always have much to smile about but we try and make a small difference to their and remind them that there are people who care.
My name is Joe and before Miles of Smiles had never been involved with any charities other than making a donation from time to time.
My wife, Karen, volunteered for many years for a national charity and I always admired the difference she had made. When the idea of Miles of Smiles was formed I had no hesitation in becoming a trustee. You cannot buy the joy we see from a very simple smile and that means so much to each child. Every talk we have given, every penny that has been raised gives me so much pleasure and energy to deliver wonderful smiles on the faces of every child in Lancashire.
My name is Katie and I am very proud to be a trustee of Miles of Smiles. As an ex teacher of 18 years, I am passionate about providing opportunities for vulnerable children and young people, to help improve their mental and physical wellbeing and, of course, help make them smile. In my spare time I enjoy fell walking with my partner and dogs. cooking (and eating!) and reading.