Category: News

There’s something incredible about running about 26.2 miles, and even more so when every single step is taken to help others.

A huge thank you to the fabulous David Savage, who completed the London Marathon yesterday in an amazing 4 hours, 3 minutes and 16 seconds!

David didn’t just run the marathon, he ran it for Milly’s Smile, every step, every mile was to support children and their families going through one of the worst times imaginable.

Already he has raised an incredible £747.00!

That’s real impact.

That’s comfort for parents sitting beside hospital beds.

That’s support at a time when their whole world has collapsed.

David, we are very proud of you and so grateful you chose to run for us. You’ve made a difference that reaches far beyond the finish line.

If anyone would like to support David and help him go even further, there’s still time, every single penny really does matter.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-savage-2026?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020&fbclid=IwY2xjawRcGL1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZdlQyeUN6eGRCOVBHWlJNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEezXhdnSENaeZsCeQU0ydgUi1ToHSan91Mb6KYQ045QkgJKG45Ya-G27umI6U_aem_xN6RZnEU_XZvl49_3Iax-A

Thank you, David. You were amazing!

Last September, I had the absolute pleasure of joining the adult tappers from Gillies Mar-Jan Stage School to rehearse for the 5th Shine for Sally Dance Extravaganza. This was my third year taking part in this wonderful show.

Shine for Sally is a truly special occasion. It is an incredible dance show in memory of a beautiful young lady, Sally, who sadly passed away from Ewing Sarcoma at just 14 years old.

Sally was diagnosed and treated on Ward 84 at The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she received her Milly Bag. She instantly loved her bag and very quickly named Milly’s Smiles as her favourite charity.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Sally’s beautiful family, and I feel incredibly privileged to call them my friends. It’s strange, but I truly believe that, in some way, our beautiful girls have brought us together.

The performance itself was spectacular, with talented dancers and singers lighting up the stage across two fantastic shows. A new act this year saw a group of bereaved mums and siblings take to the stage in memory of their children. It was a truly emotional performance that brought the whole room to its feet.

Through all the hard work, passion and love poured into it all, an incredible £8,158 was raised, which has been shared between Milly’s Smiles and Derian House Children’s Hospice.

A huge thank you to Sally’s amazing family for supporting us, for allowing me to be a small part of something so special, and for raising such a phenomenal amount of money.

I know Sally will be so proud of her mum, her dad and her gorgeous big sister.

Sometimes, the messages we receive say everything that needs to be said…

A family recently shared this with us after their daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour and started chemotherapy at RMCH:

“Thank you Milly’s Smiles. My daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2025 and she received her bag last week when we started chemo. She loved the contents and the bag will be our hospital bag as it’s big enough to carry all the essentials for the months ahead. Thank you very much for everything you do.”

At a time when families feel that their entire world has collapsed, it means everything to know that our Milly Bag can bring a little bit of comfort, and something practical to hold onto in those early days.

We’re sending so much love to this beautiful little girl and her family as they begin this journey.

And to every single person who supports us… this is the difference you are making.

A huge thank you to a very enterprising young lady who has been busy with some fundraising for Milly’s Smiles.

Emmie recently set up her very own stall on her driveway after baking some very tasty biscuits. Emmie sold these delicious treats to friends and neighbours, raising an incredible total of £70 for us!

Last week Emmie and her parents came to visit us at the unit, so Emmie could see exactly where her donation would be used.

Moments like this are really special, and it’s lovely that we get to say thank you in person.

We are very grateful to Emmie for her support it really does mean the world to us.

Every single penny raised helps us continue supporting families at a time when their entire world has collapsed, we are all so proud of you Emmie.

Our last SOULS group was just lovely…

We were joined by Wick-edly Creative , who guided us step by step in painting a beautiful robin. It was one of those mornings that just flows… full of chatter, laughter, and those poignant, quiet moments we all understand.

There was hot tea and coffee, delicious breakfast pastries, and most importantly… space, where you could just be yourself, with no expectations or pressure at all.

And that is what SOULS is all about.

This month was extra special too, as one of our group was celebrating a very special birthday. He had a lovely surprise (!) when he arrived to see the banners and the fabulous rainbow outfit we had made for him!

Moments like this matter more than words can say.

If you know someone who has lost a child or grandchild, please tell them about our group. It could make all the difference.

Over the past week, we’ve made several deliveries of our Milly Bag, and the timing has been absolutely perfect.

Mark from the Team Luke Foundation kindly delivered 10 bags to Ward 4 at Newcastle, with a very special helper by his side! Their arrival came at just the right moment, as the ward had just given out their very last bag that morning.

Graeme and Mark travelled to Manchester, delivering 20 bags to Ward 86. It was a beautiful day for the journey, and once again, the timing was perfect as the ward had given out their final 3 bags over the weekend.

We also sent 20 Milly Bags (via pallet) down to Kamran’s Ward in Oxford, which arrived safely a few days later.

That’s 50 Milly Bags delivered in just 6 days.

We always say we wish there was no need for our bags, but sadly, there is, and whilst we can’t change a diagnosis or outcome, we can send love, comfort, and support.

It is a privilege to be able to make a difference to so many families going through one of the most difficult times imaginable.

Thank you to every single person who helps make this possible. You are part of every bag, every delivery, and every moment of comfort that they bring.

#MillysSmiles #MillyBags #MakingADifference #SendingLove #ChildhoodCancerSuppor

People often ask us how they can support Milly’s Smiles, and one of the simplest ways is by donating toiletries for our Milly Bags.

Every Milly Bag we deliver to hospital is filled with practical items that help families through the very first days after a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Families often arrive on the ward suddenly, with very little with them. Simple toiletries can make such a difference in those first overwhelming hours and days.

We are always in need of:

• Toothbrushes in packs of 2 or 3

• Toothpaste

• Wash & Go 2in1 shampoo/conditioner

• Shower gel

• Deodorant (non fragranced)

• Baby wipes

If you’re able to donate any of these items, or arrange collections at your workplace etc, we would be incredibly grateful.

Donations can be dropped off at our unit or we are happy to collect if that’s easier. Alternatively you can order via our wish list on Amazon – https://amzn.eu/02HOiQBl

Every donation helps us continue supporting families at a time when their entire world has collapsed.

Our last SOULS group was just lovely…

We were joined by Wick-edly Creative , who guided us step by step in painting a beautiful robin. It was one of those mornings that just flows… full of chatter, laughter, and those poignant, quiet moments we all understand.

There was hot tea and coffee, delicious breakfast pastries, and most importantly… space, where you could just be yourself, with no expectations or pressure at all.

And that is what SOULS is all about.

This month was extra special too, as one of our group was celebrating a very special birthday. He had a lovely surprise (!) when he arrived to see the banners and the fabulous rainbow outfit we had made for him!

Moments like this matter more than words can say.

If you know someone who has lost a child or grandchild, please tell them about our group. It could make all the difference.

A huge thank you to a very enterprising young lady who has been busy with some fundraising for Milly’s Smiles.

Emmie recently set up her very own stall on her driveway after baking some very tasty biscuits. Emmie sold these delicious treats to friends and neighbours, raising an incredible total of £70 for us!

Last week Emmie and her parents came to visit us at the unit, so Emmie could see exactly where her donation would be used.

Moments like this are really special, and it’s lovely that we get to say thank you in person.

We are very grateful to Emmie for her support it really does mean the world to us.

Every single penny raised helps us continue supporting families at a time when their entire world has collapsed, we are all so proud of you Emmie!

Sometimes, the messages we receive say everything that needs to be said…

A family recently shared this with us after their daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour and started chemotherapy at RMCH:

“Thank you Milly’s Smiles. My daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2025 and she received her bag last week when we started chemo. She loved the contents and the bag will be our hospital bag as it’s big enough to carry all the essentials for the months ahead. Thank you very much for everything you do.”

At a time when families feel that their entire world has collapsed, it means everything to know that our Milly Bag can bring a little bit of comfort, and something practical to hold onto in those early days.

We’re sending so much love to this beautiful little girl and her family as they begin this journey.

And to every single person who supports us… this is the difference you are making.