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Paloma Faith was the undeniable star of the show at this year’s Butterfly Ball, as the 25th anniversary gala at London’s The Dorchester hotel raised a jaw-dropping £1,515,585 for Caudwell Children, the UK charity supporting autistic and disabled children.
The singer-songwriter, who served as the event’s musical director, lit up London’s Dorchester Hotel with her signature mix of theatrical glamour and unfiltered honesty.
Wearing a show-stopping white gown by Ronald van der Kemp, complete with a dramatic high slit, sheer lace bodice and asymmetric neckline - Faith looked every inch the pop priestess-turned-philanthropic powerhouse.
Speaking exclusively to The Standard, the Only Love Can Hurt Like This hitmaker revealed what inspired her to join forces with the charity.
“I’ve got a young relative who’s autistic and has never said ‘I love you’ to anyone in our family,” she shared. “That really moved me, and made me want to support a charity that understands how complex and beautiful neurodiversity can be.”
Asked if she might pen original music for the cause, she was candid: “I think, yeah. I feel like my songs that I’ve already written fit with the subject.
“To specifically write a song about disability, it’s a bit isolating and alienating. I’m often asked to do stuff with a lot of charities about this because I represent celebrating who you are. So just by default, I would say I don’t need to write specific stuff.”
Curated by Faith and hosted by legendary charismatic host Nick Ede, this year’s Butterfly Ball saw iconic performances from Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, a dinner DJ set from Magic FM’s Neev Spencer, and late-night beats by DJ Harriet Rose.
Faith’s vision for the night was simple: joy with purpose. And with more than £1.5 million raised, it delivered.
The star-studded guest list included Tamzin Outhwaite, Michelle Heaton, Brenda Edwards, Donna Preston, Jonathan Wilkes, Michelle Gayle, Dominic Skinner, Olivia Cox, Nicholas Hamilton, Emhrys Cooper, and Lady Wilemnia Forsyth, among others.
But it was Faith’s blend of passion and personal connection that gave the event its emotional core.
Caudwell Children CEO Claire Marshall, celebrating her first Butterfly Ball as the charity’s leader, spoke of its impact:
“This evening wasn’t just about fundraising, but about opening doors to brighter futures. The donations made will fund our vital services—from mobility aids and sensory equipment to therapies and autism assessments.”
Caudwell Children was founded in 2000 by philanthropist and telecoms tycoon John Caudwell.
Visit Caudwell Children to learn more
