Last Friday’s Be You Ball 2026 was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of what happens when families feel truly seen, supported, and understood.
There was something unmistakable about this year. From the moment the evening began, the atmosphere felt warm, open, and full of connection. Not just a beautifully planned event, but something deeper. Something that stayed with people long after the night ended.
A space where families felt valued
For the families who joined us, the impact was clear.
Many shared how supported they felt, not just on the night, but throughout the entire journey leading up to it. The care taken to ensure every detail was considered, from accommodation to personal touches, helped create an experience where families could relax, feel safe, and truly enjoy themselves.
One family described the evening as “incredible… grand, elegant, and so supportive”, sharing how deeply valued they felt throughout. Another reflected on how meaningful it was to see their daughter shine, with the hope that the experience will build her confidence long into the future.
That is exactly why the Be You Ball exists.
Moments that will last a lifetime
There are always standout moments, but this year, Chloe’s performance of ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ from Phantom of the Opera captured the heart of the room.
Her courage, her presence, and the way she embraced that moment was unforgettable. Watching her take the stage was powerful, not just for her family, but for everyone there.
These are the moments that matter. The ones that remind families of what is possible.
The power of feeling understood
Throughout the evening, there was a strong sense of connection between families.
Some had already begun building those connections before the event, recognising each other on arrival, starting conversations, sharing experiences. That sense of belonging carried through the entire night.
For many, being in a room full of people who just get it is rare. And incredibly powerful.
Our ABI Coordinators reflected on just how much families seemed to enjoy themselves, describing the evening as flowing effortlessly, full of warmth, love, and care.
The people behind the experience
Behind every moment was a team who made it happen. From the planning stages to the final goodbye, there was care in every detail. Families noticed it. They felt it.
Special thanks were shared for the table hosts and sponsors who helped create such a welcoming, generous atmosphere. The kindness shown throughout the evening did not go unnoticed.
Thank you to our headline sponsors: Bush & Co. Kids, Serious Injury Law, HCC Solicitors and TMLEP, our family award sponsors: Lime Solicitors, JMW, Sintons, Alderstone Solicitors and BBK, and our welcome drinks sponsor: Medical Law Services.
A big thank you also to PLG for donating an incredible £1,000 for our prize draw of the night, to Jonathan Holding for hosting, and to BPM Rehab for providing the evening’s entertainment with their exciting DJ set!
There is something incredibly special about a team that not only delivers an event but also creates an experience where families feel genuinely held.
£88,000 raised, and real impact created
Together, we raised an incredible £88,000!
This funding will help us continue to support children and families affected by childhood acquired brain injury, providing guidance, connection, and care when it is needed most.
Looking ahead
There is a shared feeling across families and our team that this year set a new standard. Not just in how the event looked, but in how it felt. As Amelia Larard, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at the Child Brain Injury Trust, reflected:
“The Be You Ball is about more than one evening, it’s about creating a space where families feel truly seen, valued, and proud of how far they’ve come. This year, you could feel that in every moment. It was powerful, it was emotional, and it reminded us exactly why this work matters. We’re so proud of every family who shared their journey, and so grateful to everyone who helped make the night what it was.”
To every family who joined us, thank you. For trusting us. For sharing your journeys. For being part of something so meaningful. Because of you, this was not just an event. It was something truly unforgettable.
With big thanks to our photographer of the night, David Tinkler. To download a high-resolution version of any of the above pictures, please visit https://davidtinklerphotography.pic-time.com/-cbitbeyouball2026/gallery.