Bethany first began fundraising in Summer 2010 when she made a short Charlie Chaplin style film to which she sang ‘Smile’. The film received global media coverage and donations poured in from around the world to support Bethany’s cause.
She set up Bethany’s Smile in December 2012 (aged just 13).
Bethany’s Smile aims to raise a minimum of £300,000 to build Smile Cottage – a holiday/respite home, in Yorkshire, where families can go and spend quality time plus build happy memories, when they are faced with the news that their child has a very short life expectancy.
Bethany’s Smile also supports families of poorly children in other ways such as providing computer equipment for children to use if they are in hospital long term and unable to go to school, desks for their bedrooms, insurance for ‘final’ holidays and we also look to fulfill other requests for help for children which are made through hospitals, hospices and social workers.
Find out more at www.bethanyssmile.org.
Co-Founder Jo Maltby said 'Bethany has been an outstanding individual from a very young age. We are in awe at her achievements so far and the goals she has set herself to help others. We hope that The Yorkshire Choice Awards can help Beth get closer to building Smile Cottage'
Co-Founder Mel Malcolm added 'Selecting our chosen charity is not an easy decision, with so many out there that deserve support. Bethany's Smile touched our hearts and the sheer determination and courage of this young lady is everything our Awards stand for'.