{"id":2721,"date":"2025-09-18T06:16:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T06:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightsidedental.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2721"},"modified":"2025-09-18T06:16:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T06:16:08","slug":"mince-pies-arsenal-shirts-and-an-unforgettable-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightsidedental.co.uk\/blog\/mince-pies-arsenal-shirts-and-an-unforgettable-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Mince pies, Arsenal shirts and an unforgettable day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Somehow we\u2019re more than halfway through September \u2013 I\u2019ve already spotted some mince pies in the shop, so I\u2019ll give a very early \u2018dentist\u2019s warning\u2019: beware, they\u2019re full<\/em> of sugar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the month gets away from us, it\u2019s time to give you an update on what\u2019s being happening over on the Brightside:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 years, 3 birthdays and one passed test\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First up, we need to congratulate our wonderful dentist Paarth, who is celebrating 8 years with us. Thank you for your dedication and the care you\u2019ve shown to so many patients: we\u2019re so lucky to have you on the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A round of applause also goes to our receptionist Jennifer, who has just passed her driving theory test. Well done on this big step forward and all the best for the practical!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re also celebrating three Brightside birthdays this month \u2014 Elif, Lily, and Shahrokh. We hope each of you had (or have!) a day full of joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Unforgettable day with world vision in Kenya<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the team news, I wanted to share a personal story from my recent family trip to Kenya. We had an incredible holiday of wildlife, scenery, and food, and there was one day stood out, that I\u2019ll never, ever forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five years ago, we began sponsoring a child through World Vision. On this trip, we spent a day with their team and saw first-hand the impact of their work \u2013 it was genuinely one of the most moving experiences of my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Mathare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We began with a supermarket run, ticking off a shopping list of essentials, before heading into Mathare, Kenya\u2019s second-largest slum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a local school, we handed over supplies and sports equipment. The footballs were the biggest hit: the coach told us they\u2019d completely run out, so the timing was perfect. The children\u2019s faces said it all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young Adults who\u2019ve turned it around<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, we met a group of young adults who had once been caught up in crime or addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With World Vision\u2019s support, they\u2019re now leaders<\/em> in their community, offering education, mentorship, and opportunities for others. Listening to their stories was both humbling and inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Visits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also visited 20 families raising children with disabilities, delivering food parcels to last about two weeks. Despite daily challenges, the warmth and positivity we encountered was unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Vision\u2019s mission is simple but powerful: to support communities until they no longer need charity. Read more about their work here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was such <\/em>a special day, but it wouldn\u2019t have been possible without generous support. We must give a heartfelt thank you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n