Our Story
Cianna's Smile was founded by the charity chairperson Hayley King and was registered as a charity in May 2017.
After Hayley's daughter Cianna (who has Sickle Cell Anaemia) experienced a traumatic admission at their local hospital, Hayley felt that there was a lack of awareness of the condition in the medical profession and no support locally for families impacted by it.
Determined to make a difference, Hayley founded Cianna's Smile to ensure no other family would have to face Sickle Cell alone.
Our Mission
At Cianna's Smile, our mission is to improve the lives of children, young people, and families impacted by Sickle Cell conditions. We are dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for better healthcare and social understanding of this life-altering condition.
Through education, empowerment, and community engagement, we strive to reduce the stigma associated with Sickle Cell and ensure that those living with the condition have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Together, we aim to create a world where no one is defined by their condition, but rather empowered to live their fullest and most vibrant lives.
Our Goals
Our projects aim to increase support for those impacted by Sickle Cell conditions and raise awareness to reduce social isolation and improve quality of life.
Short Term Goals
- •Organise events to increase awareness and raise funds
- •Increase the provision and widen access to online resources globally
- •Increase public understanding and awareness of Sickle Cell through online interaction
- •Grow our income through new corporate partnerships
- •Increase our ability to deliver events and projects by growing volunteer support
- •Expand our reach to London, Hampshire and the Midlands
Long Term Goals (2026–2031)
- •Have our own dedicated building to deliver projects, house our support hub and serve as a base for volunteers
- •Become a national charity
- •Support the funding and development of research into Sickle Cell conditions
- •Support research on the importance of good nutrition and Sickle Cell
- •Increase our ability to educate people on managing and preventing symptoms
- •Reach and support a minimum of 15,000 people internationally in 10 years
Our Values
Honest
We are transparent about how and where we spend donations and will always continue to do so.
Inclusive
We believe that everyone should be treated equally and that there is no place for discrimination anywhere.
Ambitious
We know that 110 years after Sickle Cell was discovered there still has not been much progression. We are determined to help make a change.
Kind
Kindness is key to making someone's day better. We believe we should always be kind to one another, underpinning everything we do.
Unified
We believe united we are stronger. We actively work alongside many other Sickle Cell organisations to help and support as many people as we can.
Our Achievements
Points of Light Award
The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers making a change in their community.
Pride of Britain Fundraiser
Winners of the Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award for the South East.
Kings Award 2024!
The King's Award for Voluntary Service. The MBE for volunteer groups.
In the Press
Melanmag
I started a charity to support children who have sickle cell: Cianna's Smile
Reading Chronicle
Earley mother honoured by PM Theresa May for Cianna's Smile work
Reading Chronicle
Reading charity champions world sickle cell awareness month
ITV News
Berkshire mum sets up charity to support others affected by sickle cell
Get Reading
East Reading mum's fight to raise sickle cell awareness
Roald Dahl
Cianna's Story
YouTube
Cianna's Smile Founder Receives Point of Lights Award
The Times
Gene therapy cures patient with sickle cell disease