Be You Ball 2025: Celebrating Resilience

The Child Brain Injury Trust’s Be You Ball 2025 was nothing short of magical. A night filled with celebration, connection, and recognition, it was an evening to honour the incredible families affected by childhood-acquired brain injury. Held in the stunning Manchester Monastery, this special event brought together supporters and families to highlight the strength, resilience, and courage that define us.

Celebrating Our Family Award Winners

One of the most moving moments of the CBIT Be You Ball night was the presentation of our Strength Through Adversity Awards. These awards shine a light on extraordinary young people and families who continue to show immense bravery in the face of life-changing challenges. It was both a pleasure and an honour to celebrate them, hearing their powerful stories and recognising their outstanding achievements.

???? The McKie Family (Greater Manchester) – For openly sharing their ABI journey online to support others and providing vital peer support at family events.
???? The Tomblin Family (Thames Valley) – For their remarkable determination and unwavering support for one another through challenging times.
???? Ben Shorter (London) – For his inspiring fundraising efforts, including running the Edinburgh Marathon, and his perseverance in overcoming his rehab goals.
???? The Exton Family (Bristol) – For their resilience and advocacy, ensuring better awareness of childhood acquired brain injury within an academy trust.
???? Hilary Adesina & Elizabeth Iwok (London) – For their unwavering determination and contributions to supporting other families at CBIT’s community hub meetings.
???? The Humphrey Family (South Coast) – For their strength in navigating their own challenges while supporting others in similar situations.

These families embody the spirit of CBIT, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience shine through.

A Record-Breaking Fundraising Achievement

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, this year’s Be You Ball raised over £82,000—our biggest amount to date! This funding will help us continue making a difference in the lives of families navigating childhood-acquired brain injury, ensuring they receive the vital support they need.

Words from Our CEO, Lisa Turan

“At our annual Be You Ball, we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of families affected by childhood-acquired brain injury and to recognise the invaluable support of those who stand beside them. Our Be You Ball is not only a night of celebration but also a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from connection—between families, supporters, and our wider community. At the Child Brain Injury Trust, we know that no journey should be walked alone. The courage, resilience, and determination shown by the families we support inspire us every day. We are proud to honour their achievements, resilience and the vital role that connection plays in overcoming challenges and embracing the future.”

Meet Our Compère: Jonathan Holling

We were delighted to welcome Jonathan Holling back to host the CBIT Be You Ball for the second year in a row. A solicitor at JMW Solicitors with a background in radio presenting, Jonathan brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep connection to our cause. His dedication to hosting charity events and his past involvement with CBIT made him the perfect person to guide us through this unforgettable evening.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Be You Ball would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, who share our commitment to supporting families affected by childhood-acquired brain injury. A huge thank you to our joint venture partner Bush & Co Kids, our headline sponsors Fletchers Solicitors, HCC Solicitors, Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, andTMLEP.

And another big thank you to our family award sponsors:

JMW Solicitors LLP – “We are honoured to sponsor this award and recognise an extraordinary family’s achievements.”
Lime Solicitors – “The Be You Ball is a celebration of resilience and the power of giving. It is a privilege to support this event.”
Bolt Burdon Kemp – “We are proud to recognise the strength, courage, and resourcefulness of the amazing families CBIT supports.”
Prestige Nursing & Care – “We are continually amazed by the resilience and positive attitude of the families we support.”
DSM Demolition – “Supporting CBIT aligns with our commitment to making a difference on a national level.”
Sintons – “It’s a pleasure to support this wonderful charity and celebrate the determination of these families.”

The Be You Ball isn’t just an event—it’s a moment to reflect, connect, and celebrate. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who made this evening so special. Here’s to another year of supporting, elevating, and enriching the futures of families affected by childhood acquired brain injury. ????