Bringing Back A Smile
1469. Kevin Hill
Kevin Hill, from Bishop Auckland, is a former professional darts player who set up ‘Bringing Back a Smile’, a charity which has enabled thousands of children and adults with life-limiting conditions to have a family break together.
Kevin founded the charity in 2017 to provide positive experiences for people going through treatment for serious or terminal illnesses, particularly by allowing them to spend time together with their families. During lockdown, Kevin also made and delivered meals and hampers to care homes across the North East, and for those who are elderly and vulnerable.
In a personal letter to Kevin, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank you for Bringing Back a Smile to thousands of children and adults with life-threatening illnesses.
“Whether it’s a short break away for a young family, or a spa day of pampering, your small acts of kindness have a huge impact on the lives of those you help. You are giving families precious time together and helping to create many special memories.”
Kevin said:
“On receiving the news that I had been chosen for the Points Of Light Award for my work during COVID-19 I was astounded. I’m so privileged to receive this award from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson but this award I also owe to the hard working team I have behind me. The work we do throughout the communities is a team effort along with our flagship sponsors ‘Wealth Of Advice’ based in Durham and ‘Hartlepool Property Management’ and ‘AKV Cladding’ this would not be possible without their support. Also with the funding from The National Lottery COVID-19 grant scheme that the charity received and the fantastic support of our government, our work was able to bring lots of smiles in the community from the elderly vulnerable people too the poorly children and that is what it’s all about ‘Bringing Back A Smile’.”