Together for Short Lives
Call the Helpline 0808 8088 100

Frozen 2 Ball raises over £400,000 to support our work

News and comment
Elsa Ana and Kristoff from Frozen 2
An Immersive performance from Elsa Ana and Kristoff at The Frozen II Ball in 2019

Last night our Frozen 2 Ball, held with Disney UK, and headline partner M&S Food, raised over £400,000 last night to help us continue our work supporting families caring for seriously ill children across the UK.

Hosted by Together for Short Lives’ Patron Simon Cowell, the evening saw special guests enjoy a spectacular night at Arendelle’s Autumn Festival, full of Disney magic, joy and togetherness in support of the UK’s 49,000 seriously ill children and their families.

We are proud to be long-standing supporters of Together for Short Lives. Together, we strive to provide comfort and inspiration for seriously ill children and those closest to them when it’s needed the most

Sara Hanson, Director of Charitable Programmes at Disney EMEA
Elsa and Ana from Frozen 2
Elsa and Ana made a special appearance at the Frozen II Ball

Joining Simon and his partner Lauren Silverman at the Underglobe beneath the Globe Theatre in London, special guests included compère Louise Redknapp, our Patron Peter Andre, and Alesha Dixon. The guests were wowed as they entered the venue which had been transformed into an enchanting Arendelle Autumn Festival adorned in gorgeous reds, golds, yellows and browns. Guests were able to explore Arendelle’s Town Square and old Oak Tree, meeting special characters including the Mayor, Captain, Horticulturalist and the Daughters, who represent the four elements of fire, water, earth and air.

 

Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman
Together for Short Lives Patron Simon Cowell and his wife Lauren Silverman

After dinner, with wines generously donated by Domaine des Jeanne, guests watched a live performance from Brit Award winner of Best Breakthrough Act 2019 Tom Walker and danced the night away to ITVs Official Love Island DJs The Mac Twins. Other celebrity guests included Aldo Zilli, Melanie Sykes, Together for Short Lives’ Ambassador Lance Corporal of Horse, Richard Jones, Carol McGiffin, Adam and Charlotte Kamani, Kristina Rhianoff, and John Caudwell and his daughter Rhiannon.

Peter Andre and Andy Fletcher
Together for Short Lives CEO Andy Fletcher with our Patron Peter Andre

The centre piece of the night saw bereaved mum Nikki Lancaster share the story of her son Lennon. Guests were incredibly moved as Nikki described living with and caring for Lennon, who sadly died of a life-limiting condition in 2017 aged ten and a half. “Caring for Lennon was an immense responsibility and at times I felt completely out of my depth,” said Nikki. “The pressure was enormous and all consuming. I love Lennon and I would do anything for him, absolutely anything – nothing was too much. I gave up my life to look after Lennon and keep him alive. Together for Short Lives is there for families like mine, to make sure they get the best care when and where they need it. That care is a lifeline—the difference between coping and not coping.”

Together for Short Lives is there for families like mine, to make sure they get the best care when and where they need it. That care is a lifeline—the difference between coping and not coping.

Nikki Lancaster, mum of Lennon
Alesha Dixon and Azuka Ononye
Alesha Dixon with her partner Azuka Ononye

“We are proud to be long-standing supporters of Together for Short Lives,” said Sara Hanson, Director of Charitable Programmes at Disney EMEA. “Together, we strive to provide comfort and inspiration for seriously ill children and those closest to them when it’s needed the most. Collaborating on such an immersive and creative event, inspired by the world of Arendelle and Frozen 2, has been a great way to help raise further awareness and essential funds for the charity, enabling the charity to continue to help families make the most of their time together.”

I’ve had the privilege of working with this charity for many years and I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work they do.

Simon Cowell, Patron Together for Short Lives
Louise Redknapp and Tom Walker
Louise Redknapp was compere on the night, which saw Tom Walker perform.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with this charity for many years and I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work they do, caring for children and young people who have life-limiting conditions, as well as giving incredible support to their families,” said our Patron Simon Cowell, who hosted the evening. “This event is an opportunity to raise much needed money, so the charity can continue its incredible work and of course help the thousands of children and families get the support and care they need. I am always immensely grateful for the generosity of the people who attend the Ball.”

Speaking at the event last night, Stuart Machin, M&S Food Managing Director, and headline partner for the Ball explained the firm’s involvement as lead partner. “Marks & Spencer Food is so proud to support tonight’s Together for Short Lives & Disney Frozen 2 Ball. The charity does incredibly important work for children and their families and fundraisers like this are so important to ensuring the charity can continue to support families caring for seriously ill children across the UK.”

 

Marks & Spencer Food is so proud to support tonight’s Together for Short Lives & Disney Frozen 2 Ball. 

Stuart Machin, M&S Food Managing Director

“My heartfelt thanks to our long-term partner Disney UK, sponsor M&S Food, and Patron Simon Cowell for making the Together for Short Lives & Disney Frozen 2 Ball such a spectacular occasion,” says Andy Fletcher, CEO of Together for Short Lives. “We have a shared passion and social purpose to improve the lives of the UK’s 49,000 seriously ill children.

“The Ball is all about raising vital funds for families facing the heartbreak of knowing their child will die young. Sadly, too many families battle to get the right support, leaving them feeling isolated and exhausted. This year alone we saw a 59% rise in helpline calls and the parents we hear from are becoming increasingly desperate. The money raised tonight will help us reach more families and make sure they get all the support they need, so they can make the most of every moment together.”

Leave a comment