Skip to main content

JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Fundraising

Gala Ball raises £125k for type 1 diabetes

JDRF’s first in-person annual Gala Ball since 2019 has raised £125,000 for type 1 diabetes research.
Breakthrough T1D profile picture
Kate Gerrard 11 November 2022

Theresa May MP, presenter Adam Smith, and Breakthrough T1D UK CEO Karen Addington at Breakthrough T1D UK's gala ball

JDRF’s first in-person annual Gala Ball since 2019 has raised £125,000 for type 1 diabetes research.

The Ball was hosted by JDRF Honorary Patron and Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith and attended by JDRF Ambassador, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP.

Mrs May said: “I was delighted to be part of JDRF’s fundraising night, to prevent, treat and cure type 1 diabetes. There is so much research progress and potential and as JDRF’s global research ambassador I am proud to see the impact in developing treatments and technologies to transform health and wellbeing for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

A 1920s theme

The 1920s themed event included a silent auction of generously donated items, including weekend getaways, theatre tickets and TV memorabilia. There was also a raffle for a pair of diamond earrings kindly donated by Odendaal Diamonds.

The event took place just before World Diabetes Day and highlighted our #WeAreOne campaign. Within five minutes of Adam screening our emotional supporter video, the guests raised an incredible £50k in a phenomenal pledge moment.

The money raised will fund JDRF’s programme of research to find cures and improve the lives of people living with type 1.

JDRF’s CEO on the support received

JDRF’s Chief Executive, Karen Addington, said: “The enthusiasm and generosity of the type 1 community for the JDRF global research programme at our London Ball last night was overwhelming. It was a pleasure to host such an inspiring group of supporters. I would also like to acknowledge Adam Smith, Sky Sports presenter and Honorary Patron of JDRF, for his superb performance as our MC for the evening.”

The event sponsor

Novo Nordisk is a corporate sponsor of this event.

Related news

Read more
Scientist researcher woman in white coat using a computer in laboratory
Research
29 May 2025

New research shows enteroviral infections may contribute to the development of T1D

This study is the largest and most comprehensive to date examining human pancreas tissue for signs of viral infection in people with and without type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Read more
Young man and woman with type 1 diabetes using diabetes technology
News
21 May 2025

mylife CamAPS FX app now available on iOS across the UK

People living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) across the UK now have more choice in how to manage their condition, with the mylife CamAPS FX app now available on iPhones.

Read more
Scientist researcher woman in white coat using microscope in laboratory
Research
16 May 2025

£100 million pledge by Bukhman Foundation to transform T1D research and treatment

This charitable pledge by the Bukhman Foundation represents the UK’s largest philanthropic commitment towards funding research to accelerate new treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Read more
A woman and a young man hugging while standing outside in the sun. They are wearing Breakthrough T1D t-shirts to represent Breakthrough T1D, a funder of type 1 diabetes research.
Breakthrough T1D
29 April 2025

Breakthrough T1D publishes ambitious 10-year strategy to accelerate type 1 diabetes care

We have launched a new 10-year strategy aimed at driving significant advancements in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, treatment, and care.