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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.
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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.

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