Vital funds raised at 13th Gala Ball

Our 13th fundraising Gala Ball was hosted by Hollywood actor Rupert Everett, a long term supporter and Ambassador of the charity. The evening, which raised £2.3million to enable us to continue our vital work helping children around the world with heart disease, was a dazzling array of entertainment from aerial acrobats to British pop sensation Pixie Lott who performed her greatest hits. A highlight of the night was Shaggy, who came all the way from Jamaica to sing recent chart toppers such as ‘I Need Your Love’ as well as much loved classics including ‘Mr Boombastic’.

The Grammy Award winning Jamaican reggae artist energised the entire crowd which comprised celebrities such as Bond Girl Maryam D’abo, TV Chef Ainsley Harriott, Actor Nick Moran, committee member and model Jessica Lemarié-Pirès with her husband, footballing superstar Robert Pirès, Jo Wood, Made in Chelsea stars including Kimberley Garner amongst others. Shaggy drew everyone onto the dancefloor and was nearly engulfed mid set before he jumped back onto the stage to hand over to Lord Jeffrey Archer for the auction!

Lord Archer excelled himself as the maestro of auctioneers once again raising over £1million in the live auction alone!

We were delighted to be supported on the night by sponsors Julius Baer, Mr Ghanim Al Saad, Mrs Sherine Sawiris, Mr Leonardo Gonzalez Dellan and Professor Magdy Ishak. Chanel generously provided fragrances for all our guests to take home, and Chopard who showcased beautiful jewels on the night and donated a gentleman’s watch to the auction.

The evening ended with Shaggy and the entire audience singing Happy Birthday to Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub OM, the Founder and President of Chain of Hope, who turned 80 earlier that week! His colleagues and fellow surgeons from Great Ormond Street, Royal Brompton and many other hospitals around the world were there to wish him happy birthday, celebrate the work they do for the charity and to carry his vision into the future!

We could not have held this event without our tireless Gala Ball Committee, who dedicate their time throughout the year, ably led by our wonderful chairs Mrs Dina Nassif and Mrs Sherine Sawiris. We are also immensely grateful for the generosity and commitment of our Corporate Advisory Board, who are helping us to grow our Gala Ball in order to support the growth of the charity as a whole.