This year’s spectacular Butterfly Ball attracted a host of glamorous stars and raised over £1.2 million for the Caudwell Children charity
WORDS: GEORGIA TREVITT PHOTOS: IAN VOGLER, SANSHINEPHOTO CRANBERRYBLUEEVENTS, FSLONDON/FSHAMPSHIRE,LUMINAIRE_EVENTS, AMIEBONEFLOWERS, ALISONPRICE_CO, HALLOFCAKES1, JB.MARQUEES
FANTASTIC FANTASIA
Celebrities were out in force last week at the Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball at Fantasia 3, bringing the glitz and glamour to an unforgettable evening. The event, held at Waddesdon Manor, was held in collaboration with visionary floral artist and designer Amie Bone, who created an immersive and sensory experience with a Greek mythology theme featuring stunning flower decorations and a colossal Pegasus statue.
The bash raised an incredible £1.2 million for the Caudwell Children charity, which goes towards changing the lives of disabled and autistic children across the UK.
Taking to Instagram, charity ambassador Christine McGuinness, who wore a stunning white satin gown on the night, shared a series of photos and videos as she thanked founder John Caudwell.
“It is always an honour to attend @ccbutterflyball,” Christine, 36, wrote. “Last night was the most incredible charity event I have ever been to! @johncaudwell you really do make dreams come true! Raising over £1.2 million to support autistic children @caudwellchildren.”
Christine’s three children – 10-year-old twins Penelope and Leo and seven-year-old Felicity, who she shares with estranged husband Paddy McGuinness – have autism, while Christine also got her own diagnosis in 2021.
Opening up about the importance of getting a diagnosis and supporting a child through it, she said, “I would say early intervention is key, definitely. The sooner you get help and support the better. I know it’s really hard. I’d say patience is really, really important – you’ve probably got to learn patience like you never have before, but stay positive. I think with the right help and support around you, anything is possible.”
Speaking at the event, she added, “I’ve been to so many of John Caudwell’s events and every time I think, ‘This is incredible and it can’t get any better.’ But it does and I’m like, ‘Wow!’ He’s so passionate about helping other people. The work the charity does is amazing and I’m so proud to be an ambassador for it.”
Also in attendance was TOWIE star James Argent, 3
