Arora Ball raises over £1.25 million for charity

We were honoured to be one of the chosen beneficiaries of the fifth annual Arora Ball alongside Diabetes UK and Thames Hospice.

The glamorous black-tie event hosted by comedian, Rory Bremner, and actress, Laila Rouass, saw guests and celebrity supporters rally to raise over £1.25 million for the three worthy causes. 

Held at the renowned InterContinental London, at the O2, on Saturday 26 November, the glitzy event welcomed the likes of Gillian Joseph, and rock legend and Diabetes UK ambassador Mike Rutherford. 

Also in attendance were Thames Hospice supporters The Right Honourable Theresa May, Lord David Brownlow and the charity's ambassador Anita Dobson. Our ambassadors Olivia Arben, and the Mac twins – Alana and Lisa Macfarlane - were also welcomed, with the Mac twins providing tunes for guests to dance the night away to. 

Money can't buy prizes up for grabs

Guests took part in an array of fundraising activities in support of the three charities, including a live auction with British international auctioneer, Charles Hanson.  

The exclusive auction included a variety of VIP experiences and celebrity lots such as a signed jacket from Sir Cliff Richard, a pair of shoes from Olivia Arben’s REBEL collection with legendary shoe designer Terry de Havilland and a drink with Olympic Rower Sir Steve Redgrave at the 2023 Henley Royal Regatta.

Other prizes included two tickets to the Grammy Awards in LA and a private snooker masterclass with seven times World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.  

The funds raised from the glamorous event will be split between us, Diabetes UK (DUK) and Thames Hospice to help make a difference to millions of people and bring hope and comfort to families who need it. 

Sunita Arora, who helped organise the event on behalf of the Arora Group said: “Thank you to everyone for making the Arora Ball a night to remember. The Arora Group are delighted to be able to raise an incredible amount for three fantastic causes that we are passionate about.  

“By supporting the vital work the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Thames Hospice do at this year’s Arora Ball, we are creating a better world now and for future generations.” 

Our Chief Executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, who attended the event, said: “We are incredibly grateful that the BHF is a beneficiary of this year’s prestigious Arora Ball. 

"The BHF and Diabetes UK provide vital support, helping to transform the lives of millions of people in the UK by funding lifesaving research to help save and improve lives and Thames Hospice provides care and support to families going through the most difficult of times.  

“Every pound the British Heart Foundation receives from events like this, along with the generous contributions of our fantastic supporters, helps us fund research that could mean families stay together for longer.”

Find out more about how to support the BHF