Reach Stars Ball for the
Saturday 22 November 2025
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Headline Sponsor
Welcome
Good evening,
On behalf of the Percy Hedley Foundation, I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you for joining us at our annual Charity Ball. This year’s theme, Reach for the Stars, is a celebration of ambition, inclusion, and the boundless potential within our incredible community. With the brilliant support, care, and education from our dedicated team, the sky truly is the limit for the children, young people, and adults we have the privilege to support.
As the largest disability charity in the North East, the Percy Hedley Foundation has been empowering individuals with disabilities to live life to the fullest since 1953. What began as a small school for just 12 children with cerebral palsy has grown into a thriving community that now supports more than 550 individuals and their families every week. And we’re not stopping there. As we continue to expand our services, our reach and impact across the North East grow stronger every day.
None of this would be possible without your kindness, generosity, and belief in what we do. Tonight isn’t just about celebration, it’s about connection, gratitude, and hope. As we share good food, wonderful company, and fantastic entertainment, let’s remember the difference that each of us can make.
Every donation, every bid, and every act of support helps change lives and build a more inclusive future.
Thank you for your time, generosity, and unwavering support. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can shine - and truly Reach for the Stars.
John Preston Chief Executive Officer
6:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:55 pm 8:15 pm 9:35 pm 9:55 pm 10:30 pm 12:00 am 1:00 am
STARTER
Ham hock & pickled carrot terrine with piccalilli and watercress oil
Drinks Reception Choir Performance Dinner is Served
Roasted plum tomato soup (Vegan) with basil oil
MAIN COURSE
Roast chicken breast with bubble & squeak, heritage carrots, smoked bacon, and wild mushroom fricassée
Butternut squash, spinach & vegan feta pithivier (Vegan) with roasted root vegetables and rocket oil
DESSERT
Sticky toffee pudding (V) with salted caramel sauce and ice cream
Dark chocolate & cherry tart (Vegan) with Belgian chocolate sauce and rose petals
Live Auction
Get ready to bid big at our Reach for the Stars live auction! Our prizes are truly out of this world – and all proceeds raised will go to the Foundation.
BSL Sign Language Session
Learn British Sign Language from our students! Gain practical skills and insights while connecting with the Deaf community.
Disability Training and Accessibility Audit package
Accessibility is essential. Led by our students and adult learners, this package helps your team improve accessibility and gain insight into the experiences of people with disabilities. Learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive world.
PHS Transport to Kielder
Help our students have the trip of a lifetime by supporting their travel to Kielder, where they will experience a wonderful residential trip filled with outdoor learning activities.
Ball Sponsorship and Golf Team package
Join us next year as one of our esteemed sponsors and enjoy visibility at our largest fundraising event of the year. You can also look forward to joining us on the green at our highly anticipated Golf Day!
How you make a difference
On behalf of all our children, young people, adult learners, and residents, thank you for everything you do. Your support enables us to provide exceptional care, education, and opportunities to disabled people across the North East. Because of your generosity, we are able to continue changing lives every single day.
Provide the Very Best Equipment
From specialist sensory tools to state-of-theart hydrotherapy pools and Innowalks, your contributions ensure our members have access to the very best resources available.
Offer Life-Changing Enrichment Opportunities
From work experience placements and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, to unforgettable residential trips to London (and even an upcoming adventure to New York!) your support opens doors to experiences that build confidence, independence, and lifelong memories.
Share our Stories Far and Wide
Through powerful features on ITV and BBC, press pieces and even viral moments on social media, we’re able to share the incredible achievements and stories of our members with the world. This visibility means so much to our staff, our families, and especially to those whose stories are being told - raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and showing the world the amazing things our community can achieve.
Deliver Award-Winning Services
We are proud that our work has been recognised nationally -from our student-led Disability Awareness Training to launching the UK’s first ever Police Cadet scheme for individuals with disabilities.
Hedley Ball!
Anchor Group Services are Proud Supporters of the Percy Hedley Foundation
Hedley
Ways to Support
There are so many ways to support the Foundation and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities across the North East.
Volunteering
You can volunteer as an individual or through a corporate partnership to help us make a difference across our wide range of services.
Charity of the Year
Nominate us for your Charity of the Year for 2026 and our dedicated team will work closely with you on a partnership that has a lasting impact, gains publicity and inspires your colleagues with a range of fundraising and volunteering activities.
Work Experience
Empower our service users to gain valuable skills and confidence by providing a work experience placement, fully supported through our Hedley’s Beyond scheme.
Fundraising
There are endless ways to get involved and fundraise -you could host a coffee morning, pop out collection tins in your local area, or challenge yourself with the Great North Run or another one of our amazing fundraising events.
Get involved here
There are a number of other ways to become involved supporting the work we do, including regular giving, playing our lottery or leaving a gift in a will.
Your host for this evening
Your host this evening is the highly esteemed actor, comedian and presenter Steve Walls.
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2 Hospitality Newcastle United tickets in the Moncur Suite
Hilton Gateshead
Overnight
Bailiffgate Hotel
Bed and Breakfast for 2
Omega x Swatch Bioceramic Moon Watch in Pink
£20 a Ticket
Charity Number: 515943
Thank you to
Table Hosts
Medsolve • Standby Healthcare
Prime Payments Solutions • Anchor Group Services
Tyne Tunnel 2 • Big Purple • LDA Group
The Watson Family Charitable Trust
Barratt Homes • Acedia Care
Agilico • Percy Hedley Staff Award Finalists
ECBS • Lenore Specialist Care
North East Chamber of Commerce
360 photobooth • 1ABounce
Hilton Hotel • Coco Luminaire • David Stoker
Bidfood • The Bigger Picture Agency
Barrie James Caricaturist • Steve Walls Suppliers
Staff Awards
Tonight, we’re also celebrating the incredible finalists of the Percy Hedley Staff Awards.
Nominated by their colleagues, these outstanding team members have been recognised for going above and beyond, acting as true role models, and embodying the Percy Hedley values in everything they do.
Our winners will be revealed later this evening - but for now, let’s take a moment to congratulate and applaud all of our brilliant finalists!
“They not only meet the highest standards of care but consistently try to exceed them”
“Their genuine passion for supporting those around them, both colleagues and students, shines through in every aspect of their work”
“A compassionate and supportive presence for all”
“One of the most inspirational, caring and dedicated staff members I have met”
Staff Member of the Year
Keir Thompson
Shomari Lewis
Alison Job
Elaine Millen
Emma Taylor
Outstanding Achievement
Gary Nelson
Mandy Davison
Peter McCoy
Behind the Scenes Hero
Paul Hansson
Paul Cummings
Eileen Robinson
Team of the Year
Wansbeck House
Northern Counties Sixth Form
IT Support Services
