Spread a Smile, which supports the wellbeing of children in hospital and hospices, has appointed its first head of fundraising.

The children’s charity, which arranges in person and virtual visits to wards from entertainers, has appointed Krishan Solanki to the newly created role.

He joins from the fundraising team at Muscular Dystrophy, where since joining almost a decade ago he has held several senior roles focusing on campaigns, events and corporate partnerships.

Spread a Smiles was launched 12 years ago and aims to deliver more than 18,00 in person visits to wards through its partnerships with 39 hospitals and six hospices.

“I’m thrilled to join such an inspiring and impactful charity,” said Solanki.

“Spread a Smile is a relatively young charity, but it has already achieved so much in bringing joy to children during difficult times.

“The opportunity to help it grow and develop a broader range of fundraising strategies is something I'm excited to be part of."

Solanki's priority is to increase the charity’s fundraising from £2m to £2.5m within the next 12 months.

“Solanki’s experience will be key to that success” said Lucy Jackson, Spread a Smile chief executive.

---