Together for Short Lives and Disney UK host a Frozen Ball in support of seriously ill children

Together for Short Lives, the UK charity for seriously ill children, hosted a magical Frozen 2 Ball at The Underglobe ahead of the film’s highly-anticipated release.

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.

The Together for Short Lives and Disney Frozen 2 Ball is held in aid of families facing the heartbreak of knowing their child will die young. The Frozen 2 Ball is set to raise over £400k which will help the charity continue to support families caring for seriously ill children across the UK, helping them make the most of every moment together by providing vital care and the support they need.

Special guests at the Ball included the night’s compère Louise Redknapp, Patron Simon Cowell and his partner Lauren Silverman, and Patron Peter Andre. They were wowed as they entered The Underglobe 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.

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, Alesha Dixon, Adam and Charlotte Kamani, Kristina Rhianoff, and John Caudwell and his daughter Rhiannon.

Sara Hanson, Director of Charitable Programmes at Disney EMEA, said:

“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. 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.”

Simon Cowell, Patron for Together for Short Lives and host for the night said:

“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. 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.”

Together for Short Lives CEO Andy Fletcher added:

“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. 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.”

Guests at the Together for Short Lives & Disney Frozen 2 Ball heard an incredibly moving family story from mum Nikki Lancaster who spoke about her son Lennon, who sadly died of a life-limiting condition in 2017 aged ten and a half.

Nikki said:

“My first child, my only son, Lennon, was born 12 weeks premature. After spending six months in various Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s, Lennon finally came home requiring oxygen, tube feeding and was hooked up to various monitors. It was not the start to his life or to parenthood that we had expected.

Caring for Lennon was an immense responsibility and at times I felt completely out of my depth. 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. The short amounts of time we did get to spend at home were fraught with anxiety and worry. 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 here for every family caring for a seriously ill child – reaching out to them when they need it most through its helpline and family support services. To find out more visit: togetherforshortlives.org.uk.

Thank you to the many benefactors and prestigious companies who have donated their time, support and luxury auction lots.