New Year HEROES

Some of us are ready to party but for these volunteers, the New Year is all about putting others first

- MEL HUNTER

‘WE MAKE SICK CHILDREN SMILE'

Vanessa Crocker, 60, from north London, will spend much of the festive period visiting children in hospital.

Our charity, Spread a Smile, grew from conversations at our kitchen tables in 2013. My friend Josephine Segal, 56, had arranged for a magician to visit her 12-year-old nephew, Aaron, who was having cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Now enjoying life at university, that visit made such a difference to Aaron that he asked if she could do it for other patients. Working together, we started with three entertainers-now we have more than 80. They visit 27 hospitals and three children's hospices around the country. As a charity with no statutory funding, we rely on the generosity of supporters. Parents often tell us that it's the first time they have seen their children smile for a long time. 

Josephine and I are very hands-on. We go into hospitals with our entertainers, and spend time chatting to the children and their families. We also organise outings too. This year, those who can come out of hospital will join us in the new year on a trip to a West End theatre, meeting the cast afterwards. My husband, Paul, and four grown-up children know how much it means to me. Of course, there are sad times, but I am inspired by the children we meet and honoured to make a difference.

+ spreadasmile.org

AS A MOUNTAIN RESCUE VOLUNTEER, I AM ON CALL 24/7'

Mel Smith, 42, an osteopath from Huddersfield, is poised to volunteer with her local mountain rescue team again this New Year.