Sarcoma UK was delighted to bring back its annual Glitter Ball on 4 March 2023 at London’s Marriot on Grosvenor Square with our Celebrity Ambassador, Jake Quickenden.
This year, the event had a new venue and amazing music. Sarcoma UK’s Glitter Ball was set up with a vision of having a big party for sarcoma patients, families and friends while raising vital funds for Sarcoma UK’s research, support, awareness, and information.
Over 400 supporters of Sarcoma UK danced the night away with the help of the evening’s sponsor, Rain Oncology. In attendance were various key figures in the sarcoma community, and guests included Loose Women and ITV News’ Charlene White.
Guests were treated to performances from Enchorus, FullyFunktional, and DJ Teresa Wilcocks. Sarcoma UK’s Celebrity Ambassador, Jake Quickenden, hosted and performed a medley of songs for the attendees, and packed out the dancefloor. He had a standing ovation and was asked to perform another song.
Singer, actor, reality TV star and presenter Jake, best known for his appearances on the X Factor, I’m A Celebrity, and Dancing on Ice which he won in 2018, sadly lost his brother, Oliver, to sarcoma 13 years ago. Oliver was only 19 years old.
Jake is determined to raise as much funds and awareness for Sarcoma UK as possible, and will be raising awareness about losing his brother to sarcoma as he prepares to run the London Marathon for Sarcoma UK in April.
Jake is documenting how he is training and preparing for the big day on Instagram, and has already raised nearly £5,000 on his JustGiving page.
Sarcoma UK’s Glitter Ball has raised over £60,000 for the charity.
‘We are so grateful to Jake for sharing the story of losing his brother and also for his sensational performances at our Glitter Ball to raise funds for Sarcoma UK, while raising such important awareness of sarcoma,’ says Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Sarcoma UK.
‘This was our most successful Glitter Ball to date, and it was certainly one to remember. Jake is such a fantastic Ambassador for our charity. The funds raised from this event will go into funding vital research into sarcoma, offering support for anyone affected by the disease, and campaigning for better treatments.’
‘We wish Jake all the best of luck for the London Marathon, and the whole team at Sarcoma UK will be there to cheer him on!’
Thank you:
Everyone at Sarcoma UK would like to say a huge thank you to the fabulous Glitter Ball Committee – Amelia Granville, Zoe Homer-Emmerson, Emma McCloskey, Ruzin Yalchin, Paula Magus, Zoe Thompson, Jaz Thompson, James Read, Olivia Meheux and Kerry Reeves-Kneip – who worked so hard to organise such a memorable night.
A huge thanks also to our team of volunteers for helping ensure plans ran smoothly – Emma Butler, Gemma Burnham-Parkes, Sofia Simpson-Wells, Amanda Osgood, Paul Osgood, Dave Read, Amy Read, Cat Ferrer-Jempson, Carly Bryan, Amy Nicoll, Hannah, Emma Delin, Jessica Hall, Steve Pollett, Natalie Donat, Carly McDonald, Darius McDonald, and Louisa Morgan.
Thanks also to our wonderful performers Jake Quickenden, Enchorus, Fully FunKtional, and DJ Teresa Wilcocks.
We would also like to thank our gold sponsor Rain Oncology, Diageo premium drinks, Perry’s the Wedding Company for the support and co-ordination of the event, and our brilliant new venue – London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.
Photos from the night are now available on our Sarcoma UK Glitter Ball Facebook page!
Photography credits: Kois Miah and Joe Gritton
