The annual Butterfly Ball London, hosted by Caudwell Children at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, raised more than £2 million to support disabled and neurodivergent children. Donations from philanthropic guests reached £1.7 million, with an additional £563,000 in match funding from founder John Caudwell, bringing the total to £2.2 million.
Record-Breaking Art Auction
A highlight of the evening was a record-breaking winning bid of $1 million for a 2m x 2m original oil painting by artist Christian Hook, created exclusively for Caudwell Children. The funds will help the charity continue its mission to ensure every disabled and neurodivergent child can reach their full potential.
Star-Studded Entertainment
The event, sponsored by Burgess, Dorchester Collection, and Mayfair Times, was hosted by singer, presenter, and theatre producer Jonathan Wilkes. Performances included BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Will Young and West End performer and X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
Founder's Vision
John Caudwell, founder of Caudwell Children, said: “When we hosted the very first fundraising ball for the charity at my home 26 years ago, I could never have imagined how this evening, and the community behind it, would grow into such a powerful force for change. My family, friends, business associates, and the incredible members of the Life-Changers Circle have all helped cultivate this journey, their kindness enabling Caudwell Children to support thousands of children as they grow and thrive.”
CEO's Commitment
Richard Baxendale, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: “Whether it’s providing life-changing mobility and sensory equipment, therapies, or autism assessments, every penny raised will open doors to brighter, more independent futures for children and their families. It’s thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors and supporters that we’re able to reach families who might otherwise remain unsupported within an overstretched system. Because of events like the Butterfly Ball, more children are receiving the help they need, exactly when they need it most.”
Theme of Growth and Transformation
The theme for this year’s Butterfly Ball London was ‘bloom’, celebrating growth, transformation, and the power of helping children and families flourish. Eleven-year-old Faith Anwar, from Staffordshire, who is autistic and an aspiring florist, collaborated with luxury florist Mary Jane Vaughan to design floral displays across the Dorchester ballroom. Faith and her family attended the event to see her designs brought to life.
Faith’s mother, Fiona Anwar, said: “Faith is wonderfully creative and energetic with a vivid imagination and a heart full of kindness. She loves to draw and colour and is always coming up with inventive ideas. She was delighted to be part of the creative team behind this high-profile event, and we were all thrilled to be here, as a family, celebrating Faith’s achievement.”
About Caudwell Children
Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell, Caudwell Children has grown into a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families. All donations directly fund practical and emotional services developed with input from children and families.
