Laura Whitmore helps charity raise over a life-changing £1.8 million

1. Caudwell Children’s most prestigious annual charity event, the Butterfly Ball London, sponsored by construction giant Careys, leading interior fit-out specialists Beck and scaffolding experts GKR took place on Thursday 11th May 2023 at the iconic indigo at The O2 and raised over £1.8 million to support autistic children and children with a disability.

The 2023 ball, hosted by Irish TV and Radio presenter Laura Whitmore, celebrated diversity of all forms with their theme We Are All Different, Be You, from their unique dress code, Be You, to spectacular entertainment from the Optiscopes.

Founded by philanthropist John Caudwell in 2000, Caudwell Children has helped 78,500 children and their families and has provided over £91million worth of services. By personally paying for the charity’s annual administration and management overheads he enables the charity to offer complete transparency to its supporters, with 100% of donations going directly to the children and families who need it.

John Caudwell, Founder of Caudwell Children said “I am incredibly proud of the work Caudwell Children delivers each and every year, which is why so much of my time and energy is dedicated to supporting their work.

“This year the Butterfly Ball celebrated all of our differences, helping us to recognise that by thinking and acting differently we can affect positive change in the world.”

Esteemed guests and philanthropists were wowed by performances from the soulful Heather Small, where her popular song “Hero” was dedicated to Caudwell Children’s avid supporters.

Also performing at the ball was the multi award-winning lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs, Ricky Wilson who sang his smash hits Ruby and I Predict a Riot and music icon and pop sensation Anne-Marie who sang Ciao Adios and Psycho.

DJ legend Pete Tong also made an appearance where he brought Ibiza vibes to London with his set.

Also, in attendance were Sir Lee Pearson, Laura Anderson, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth and Sandro Wears.

The generosity of attendees will ensure that children and young people will receive vital equipment, autism assessments and families can have access to parent workshops, giving children a better and brighter future.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds was raised during the Butterfly Ball’s live auction, hosted by well-known BBC auctioneer Charles Hanson, which saw Jimi Hendrix’s ring sell for £34,000 and a staggering £500,000 was raised to go towards vital Autism Assessments at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre.

Trudi Beswick CEO of Caudwell Children said “For 23 years I have been Chief Executive of Caudwell Children and witnessed first-hand the way society sadly erodes the aspirations of disabled and autistic children, often simply because they are ‘different’.

“We have the power to change the way we view our differences, first by looking inwards and recognising that we are all different and that is our unique personalities that makes us so special.

“Caudwell Children strives to change the future for all children, breaking down countless stigmas associated with disability helping children and young people to discover who they want to be,

“And with the incredible generosity of everyone who attended this year’s Butterfly Ball we can make this possible.”

About Caudwell Children:

Caudwell Children was founded in March 2000 and has supported over 78,500 children and families. As a leading disabled children’s charity, Caudwell Children was recognised as the second largest voluntary provider of specialist equipment in the UK and is widely regarded as one of the fastest growing children’s charities. The charity has provided over £91,875,998 worth of services and has supported children with over 720 different medical conditions.

John Caudwell – Founder and Chairman Emeritus:

John Caudwell is the founder of Caudwell Children.

John’s vision for a sustainable and efficient children’s charity has inspired thousands of supporters across the UK and he remains the charity’s largest single benefactor and most passionate supporter. By personally paying the charity’s annual administration and management overheads he enables the charity to offer complete transparency to its supporters, with 100% of direct donations going directly to the children and families who need it.

*Emeritus – A person retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held.

Trudi Beswick – Chief Executive:

Trudi has been the driving force at Caudwell Children since the beginning in 2000.

In her role as Chief Executive Trudi has orchestrated the charity’s continued growth, developing it from a small local charity to a national organisation and become an influential voice within the voluntary sector.

During the formative years of the charity Trudi would personally visit each individual family to assess the most effective way the charity could help; this insight into the unique challenges faced by families caring for a disabled child provided the basis for the charity’s core services and set a path for the charity’s future development.

About Careys:

The Carey Group is a family-owned construction business, operating across the UK and Ireland. Their vision is to be the most trusted and socially responsible construction company, that people are proud to work with.