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Celebrities raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK’s 2025 annual ball, A Night of Wishes
Ross Kemp, Kimberly Wyatt and Laura Tobin party at London’s Savoy with Dame Arlene Phillips, Dame Maureen Lipman, Pasha Kovalev and Paul Chuckle as they raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK’s annual ball, A Night of Wishes, which took place on Saturday 17th May 2025.
Celebrities and philanthropists have spent tonight raising as much money as possible for children around the UK facing critical illness. Hosted by Rachel Riley at The Savoy Hotel, A Night of Wishes saw celebrities, including Ross Kemp, Dame Arlene Philips, Dukagjin and Anesa Lipa, Paul Chuckle, Scarlette Douglas and Tony Tobin attend.
The celebrities enjoyed performances from Wicked's Sarah O'Connor and Maddison Firth, singer Delta Goodrem, 90s band Eternal, and Kiss FM DJ AJ King as they dug deep and bid on a star-studded array of items listed in both a silent and live auction.
One of the most wanted items up for grabs was a digital Yamaha baby grand piano signed by musicians from around the world including Jools Holland, Tom Fletcher, Paul Weller, William Orbit, Eliza Doolittle and Dionne Warwick.
Guests could also bid on tickets for a meet and greet at a Dua Lipa concert, a trip to Lapland for a family of four, a dining experience with Masterchef’s Grace Dent, a seven-night stay in Cyprus for four, and a £25,000 voucher for jewelers, G Collins & Sons.
Host, Rachel Riley.
“It’s been an incredible night of celebration and fundraising in support of Make-A-Wish UK, an organisation doing something truly magical – giving critically ill children and their families the chance to dream beyond their diagnosis and experience moments of joy when they need it most. Hearing the powerful stories from families tonight was a moving reminder of just how life-changing a wish can be. Thanks to the generosity shown this evening, even more children will now have the chance to have their wishes granted and that’s something I’m so proud to be part of.”
Ross Kemp and his wife Renee O'Brien
“I’m so pleased to be here tonight supporting such a special charity making wishes come true for children facing the toughest of times. It’s been an emotional evening but an incredible one; meeting two families who’ve been supported by Make-A-Wish UK really brings to life what an impact the charity has, helping families spend precious time together.”
"Once again our supporters and patrons have shown huge generosity and support to our very special charity and the work we do and we are so grateful. Thanks to the money raised here tonight, we can grant wishes to families sooner, meaning they don't have to wait for a wish that could bring strength during their toughest and most relentless times – because every child deserves to wish for more than a life defined by illness.”"
Eternal
Featured at this year’s event was Kenneth who described the impact a wish to visit the F1 Grand Prix in Silverstone had on his son, Mali, who was left with third degree burns across his body after a house fire: "We had lots of fun as a family, but to see Mali smile again was the greatest gift Make-A-Wish gave our family."
A Night of Wishes is Make-A-Wish UK’s annual auction event held at The Savoy Hotel, London. The charity is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes to children living with a critical illness.
