Little Ball of Hope 2025: The Highlights

On a sparkling Saturday evening, the Vale Resort in South Wales played host to an unforgettable night of elegance, remembrance and generosity for the 2wish Little Ball of Hope. This special event, held annually for the past 11 years, helps raise vital funds and awareness for 2wish to continue providing support to those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

With a dazzling Casino Royale theme, the evening promised – and delivered – sophistication with a twist of fun. From martini cocktails on arrival to casino tables laden with fun money, and even a surprise flash mob, guests were swept into an immersive experience of glamour and heartfelt connection. The black and gold décor, martini glass centrepieces, and intricate detailing set the scene for an event worthy of 007 himself.

Opening Reflections

The evening officially began with moving speeches from our Deputy CEO and Director of Transformation and Strategy, Emma Kneebone, closely followed by our CEO and founder, Rhian Mannings MBE. Emma reflected on 2wish’s impact over the past year, particularly the growing reach of our services across England, while Rhian honoured the vital work the team does, often behind the scenes, to support those suddenly bereaved in times of unimaginable grief.

A particularly touching moment came as we raised a glass to the late Allan Jones, Rhian’s father and the first ever 2wish Ambassador. Allan was a brilliant man whose spirit and legacy continue to inspire everything we do.

Rhian Mannings MBE, CEO and founder of 2wish, spoke passionately about the importance of supporting professionals – police officers, paramedics and emergency service workers – who are often first on the scene when tragedy strikes, and are somewhat overlooked. This essential, but underfunded, service remains a key focus of the support we provide and is delivered with thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

This is one of the many reasons why the Little Ball of Hope is such a key event for 2wish, not only for raising funds but also for bringing together people from all walks of life to see the real, lasting impact of their contributions.

Stories from Our Community

Guests were deeply moved by the story of Lucy Curtis, shared by her father, Barry. Following Lucy’s sudden passing, Barry and his family and colleagues were supported by 2wish. In return, Barry has embarked on an extraordinary personal challenge: to climb the highest peak in every county in England. Not only has this journey helped him cope with his grief, but it has also raised almost £30,000 so far – with 30 peaks still to go.

We also had the honour of sharing a touching short film from Natalie and Erin Griffiths, celebrating the life of Callum, who died suddenly in December 2023. They shared memories of Callum’s talent as a barber and his zest for life, reminding us of the importance of continuing his legacy, and the positive impact 2wish has had on their lives whilst navigating their grief.

Erin, who is now a Young Ambassador for 2wish, spoke about how connecting with other grieving siblings has helped her navigate her loss. This has also led to the inception of their initiative “Dream Big: Forever 19” with the sole focus of fundraising for 2wish Cymru, which to date has already raised over £20,000.

A Celebration to Remember

The night was filled with unforgettable surprises and performances. A spectacular dance flash mob from JPJ School of Dance took the audience by surprise, made even more special when Rhian’s daughter joined in, dancing in her ball gown.

Later, the 2wish choir, Cor Seren, together with Cor Tadau Trisant, delivered a breathtaking tribute to ‘Our Stars’ through a video memorial accompanied by their performance of “Million Lights”, a song written by 2wish Ambassador and Grammy award-winning singer songwriter, Amy Wadge, also known for her work the likes of Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys and Tim McGraw to name a few.

To end the evening on a high, The Long Weekend took to the stage, keeping the dancefloor full to bursting until the very end of the evening, with an energetic set of hits spanning the decades.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Of course, this magical evening would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our generous sponsors:

Hugh James – Our long-time friends of the charity, supporting not only events but also providing expert legal guidance to those suddenly bereaved.

Ntitle – Valued partner and sponsor of our drinks reception to open the evening’s proceedings.

Restore Technology – Supporting sponsor and supportive employer of Barry Curtis. Their unwavering support to Barry and his family during an unimaginable loss is a real testament to the mission and values of the organisation.

We’re so grateful for their continued belief in our mission to provide support for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person. You can read more about our collaborations with Hugh James and Ntitle in our news section.

And last but not least, our deepest gratitude to Jonathan Crimmins, Expose Photography and David Mertens Photography for capturing the evening on camera for us, preserving special memories for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The Little Ball of Hope was a glamourous and decadent event but also a night of meaningful impact.

We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our guests, sponsors and volunteers, who helped to make the evening an incredible success. As a result, we can continue to provide support to those impacted by the sudden loss of a child or young person.

If you’d like to stay informed about upcoming events or find out how you can support our work, why not sign up for our newsletter or visit our website?