St John’s Hospice Gala raises more than £280,000 to create more moments that matter
A spectacular evening at the V&A has raised more than £280,000 for St John’s Hospice, helping to fund vital wellbeing services for patients and those closest to them – and the total is still growing.
Last Thursday, the St John’s Hospice Annual Charity Gala brought together supporters, friends, sponsors and members of the wider community for a memorable evening in the spectacular surroundings of the V&A in South Kensington.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests and supporters, more than £280,000 has been raised so far, with the total continuing to grow. The evening centred around the theme of creating more moments that matter, reflecting the difference our care can make through moments of comfort, reassurance, strength, connection and wellbeing.
Guests heard inspiring speeches, enjoyed private access to the V&A’s galleries and exhibitions, and took part in a luxury raffle and auction featuring a selection of exclusive lots, from signed memorabilia and luxury holidays to overnight stays, bespoke hampers and unforgettable experiences.
A particularly poignant moment came when Jade shared her and her mum Lola’s experience with the audience, offering a powerful insight into the impact of St John’s Hospice’s wellbeing services and the importance of compassionate support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Guests were also inspired by renowned journalist Kate Adie CBE, who shared anecdotes from her remarkable career, while Tom Best brought his energy and expertise to the evening as auctioneer.
The funds raised will help provide wellbeing services including complementary therapies, physiotherapy, creative therapies, social work, and carer and bereavement support.
These services form an important part of the holistic care we provide, helping patients and those closest to them find moments of comfort, creativity, reassurance and strength alongside the clinical care they receive.
One patient whose testimonial of these services took centre stage on the night captured the importance of this support: “I felt so soon after arriving here that no matter what the future holds, all will be well, with these wonderful people at my side.”
Their words provided a powerful reminder of what hospice care is ultimately about: making sure people know they are not facing what lies ahead alone, and creating meaningful moments of connection and wellbeing for patients and their loved ones.
The success of the gala would not have been possible without the generosity of everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, purchased raffle tickets, bid in the auction or contributed in other ways. We'd also like to thank our event sponsors, suppliers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring the evening together.
With the fundraising total still growing, the impact of this year's gala will continue long after the final guests left the V&A.
Interested in supporting next year’s gala? If you would like to sponsor the event or donate a raffle or auction prize, please get in touch with our team at sjhevents@hje.org.uk or on 020 3832 1436. More information, including the date and details of next year’s event, will be announced soon.
