A Night of Wishes 2026 raises £500,000
Hosts Brian Conley and Rachel Riley
Tasha Ghouri, Shane Ritchie, Traitors UK stars and Alex Macqueen party at London’s Savoy Hotel with Dame Arlene Phillips, Pasha Kovalev and Paul Chuckle as they raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK’s annual ball, A Night of Wishes
Celebrities, philanthropists, Make-A-Wish supporters and guests have spent tonight raising as much money as possible for children around the UK facing critical illness.
The event has raised an incredible £500,000 which will help grant magical wishes to critically ill children and their families in the next 12 months and beyond.
Hosted by Rachel Riley and Brian Conley at The Savoy Hotel, A Night of Wishes saw celebrities, including Traitors UK stars, Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy, Shane Ritchie, Cam Whitnall, Alana Stewart and Tony Tobin attend. The celebrities enjoyed performances from the cast of SIX The Musical, West End Kids, singer Heather Small of M People and Aston Merrygold, Oliver B mentalist and Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis, as they dug deep and bid on a star-studded array of items listed in both a silent and live auction.
Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby from the Traitors (left image) and Shane Ritchie (right)
Guests could bid for front row tickets to see Lulu at the Royal Albert Hall, an exclusive trip to Lapland for a family of four, a Strictly Come Dancing experience and dance lesson with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, a Formula 1 signed helmet and Manchester United VIP match tickets.
“It’s been an incredible night of celebration and fundraising in support of Make-A-Wish UK, an organisation doing something truly magical – giving critically ill children and their families the chance to dream beyond their diagnosis and experience moments of joy when they need it most. Hearing the powerful stories from families tonight was a moving reminder of just how life-changing a wish can be. Thanks to the generosity shown this evening, even more children will now have the chance to have their wishes granted and that’s something I’m so proud to be part of.”
Co-Host Brian Conley said: I’m so pleased to be here tonight supporting such a special charity making wishes come true for children facing the toughest of times. It’s been an emotional evening but an incredible one; meeting families who’ve been supported by Make-A-Wish UK really brings to life what an impact the charity has, helping families find joy and laughter during their darkest times.”
"Once again our supporters have shown huge generosity to our very special charity and the work we do. Thanks to the money raised tonight, we can grant wishes to families sooner, meaning they don't have to wait for a wish that could bring strength when they need it most– because every child deserves to wish for more than a life defined by illness."
Steph Witt and Jason Suckley from Make-A-Wish
Featured at this year’s event was Claire who described the impact a wish to be a Wildlife TV presenter had on her son, Liam, who received a wish after being diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a serious form of childhood cancer. "We had lots of fun as a family, but to see Liam so happy and smiling again was the greatest gift Make-A-Wish gave our family."
A Night of Wishes is Make-A-Wish UK’s annual fundraising ball held at The Savoy Hotel, London. The charity is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes to children living with a critical illness.
