More than £2 million was raised for a North Staffordshire charity that helps disabled and neurodivergent children at the charity's annual ball in London.

Keele-based Caudwell Children's annual Butterfly Ball London, held at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair on Thursday 18 June, raised £1.7 million from guest donations.

The total was then brought £2.2 million with the charity's founder, John Caudwell's match funding of £563,000.

The funds raised included a record-breaking winning bid of $1M on a 2m x 2m original oil painting created by artist Christian Hook, exclusively in support of Caudwell Children.

John Caudwell said: "When we hosted the very first fundraising ball for the charity at my home 26 years ago, I could never have imagined how this evening, and the community behind it, would grow into such a powerful force for change.

"My family, friends, business associates, and the incredible members of the Life-Changers Circle have all helped cultivate this journey, their kindness enabling Caudwell Children to support thousands of children as they grow and thrive."

This year's Butterfly Ball London, sponsored by Burgess, Dorchester Collection, and Mayfair Times, was hosted by singer, presenter, and theatre producer, Jonathan Wilkes.

Acts included BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter and pop icon, Will Young, and West End performer and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.

Richard Baxendale, CEO at Caudwell Children, said: "Whether it's providing life-changing mobility and sensory equipment, therapies, or autism assessments, every penny raised will open doors to brighter, more independent futures for children and their families.

"It's thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors and supporters that we're able to reach families who might otherwise remain unsupported within an overstretched system.

"Because of events like the Butterfly Ball, more children are receiving the help they need, exactly when they need it most."

The theme for this year's Butterfly Ball London was 'bloom', in celebration of growth, transformation, and the power of helping children and families to flourish.

Eleven-year-old Faith Anwar, from Staffordshire is the star of the Caudwell Children brand campaign, and an aspiring florist.

Faith, who is autistic, collaborated with leading luxury florist Mary Jane Vaughan to help shape the floral displays across the Dorchester ballroom. Faith and her family attended the star-studded event, and were able to see Faith's beautiful designs brought to life.

Faith's mum Fiona Anwar, said: "Faith is wonderfully creative and energetic with a vivid imagination and a heart full of kindness. She loves to draw and colour and is always coming up with inventive ideas.

"She was delighted to be part of the creative team behind this high-profile event, and we were all thrilled to be here, as a family, celebrating Faith's achievement."

A spokesperson for Caudwell Children added: "Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist John Caudwell, Caudwell Children has grown over the past 25 years into a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families.

"All donations directly fund practical and emotional services, which have been carefully developed with the direct input of children and families."

To find out more about Caudwell Children, visit the website here.