Headline Sponsor
Inspiration Ball 2026
Inspire,
Believe,
Achieve
Friday 13th November 2026 Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead
Welcome Good evening,
On behalf of everyone at the Percy Hedley Foundation, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Inspiration Ball. Tonight is a celebration of possibility, achievement, and the extraordinary people who inspire us every day. Across our schools, college, adult learning programme and range of homes we see children, young people and adults with disabilities overcoming challenges, achieving ambitions and showing us what can be accomplished when talent, determination and opportunity come together.
For more than 70 years, Percy Hedley has been supporting people with disabilities across the North East to live fulfilling, independent and ambitious lives. What began as a small school for just 12 children has grown into the region's largest disability charity, supporting hundreds of individuals and families each week through specialist education, care, residential and employment services. Our Inspiration Ball is an opportunity to reflect on those achievements, celebrate the impact we make together and look ahead with confidence and hope. Every person in this room plays a part in that journey.
Through your generosity, support and belief in our mission, you help create opportunities, break down barriers and enable people to reach their full potential.
Thank you for being with us and for helping us build a future where every person has the chance to thrive, achieve, and inspire.
As we enjoy a wonderful evening together, I invite you to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Percy Hedley community and the difference your support makes every day.
John Preston Chief Executive Officer Percy Hedley Foundation
Enjoy the evening.
Programme for the Night
Menu Starter
Slow-roasted vine tomato, thyme & sweet red pepper velouté (Plant based) Main Course
6:00 pm
Drinks Reception
7:00 pm
Entertainment Starts
Braised shin of beef roulade, roasted root vegetables, celeriac dauphinoise & thyme jus
7:30 pm
Choir Performance
Moroccan-spiced grilled vegetable tagine tart, warm puy lentil salad, charred tenderstem broccoli. Garnished with preserved lemon dressing.
7:55 pm
Dinner is Served
8:15 pm
Higher or Lower
9:35 pm
Staff Awards
9:55 pm
Live Auction & Raffle
10:30 pm
Borderland
12:30 am
DJ
1:00 am
Carriages
Dessert Yuzu & vanilla cheesecake garnished with raspberry coulis, candied citrus zest and popping candy (V) Rhubarb & ginger torte, crème Anglaise (plant based) Table wine is provided ½ bottle per person however to treat your guests and speed up service please use the link below to pre-order additional drinks to the table: https://advanceordering.hiltongateshead.com/order/percy-hedley
Thank You Headline Sponsor
Live Auction
Get ready to bid at our live auction! Our prizes are truly out of this world and all proceeds raised will go to the Foundation. Details of how register are here, please share with your guests ahead of the evening. Auction link: www.jumblebee.co.uk/percyhedleyball2026
Scan for Auction:
Get ready to bid BEFORE the Ball!
Ball Sponsors
Host
Entertainment
Auction
Drinks
Intergalactic Goodies Production
With special thanks to... Steve Walls Northern Counties Signing Choir Newcastle University Sign Language Society David Stoker, performing thanks to Standby Healthcare
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Visit the Auction, using the link above Register or Log In Browse the prizes Place your bid - enter your bid amount, click ‘Bid Now’ and confirm bid Outbid? We’ll let you know and notify you Won? You’ll receive a winner’s email asking you to pay. Once paid, your item(s) can be packed and sent, or you can take them home if you’re at the Ball.
This is a crucial element of our fundraising for the event items can be bid on by anyone so please feel free to share with colleagues as well as guests. There will be a few special in the room additions promoted on the night. Special thanks to Jumblebee, memorabilia museum and GC Competitions.
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-the art hydrotherapy pools and Iinnowalk machines, your contributions ensure our members have access to the very best resources available.
Share our Stories Far and Wide
Through features on ITV and BBC, press pieces and even viral moments on social media, we’re able to share the incredible impact of our supporters along with 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.
Offer Life-Changing Enrichment Opportunities From work experience placements and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, to unforgettable, grant funded residential trips to (Japan and Lapland) your support opens doors to experiences that build confidence, independence, and lifelong memories.
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.
Thanks for supporting a fantastic charity!
Have a GREAT night at the
Percy Hedley Ball! Anchor Group Services are Proud Supporters of the
Percy Hedley Foundation
Thank You Headline Sponsor
We’re honoured to support the incredible work of the Percy Hedley Foundation, empowering people with disabilities to live independent, fulfilling lives. It’s a privilege to stand alongside a charity that transforms challenges into opportunities and inspires hope every day. Here’s to another unforgettable evening celebrating their impact and the community that makes it all possible.
Ball Sponsors Talk to us! We’re listening Integrated Facilities Management including :Cleaning, Security, CCTV, Technical Services & Car Park Management
01244 354 700 www.anchorgroupservices.co.uk
Get Involved As a charity we rely on community support to help us deliver the best opportunities every day. There are various ways you can support our work including: Donate
Your host for this Evening
Volunteering Fundraising Events Employment Opportunities Business Partnerships
Find out more on our website - www.percyhedley.org.uk
Amazing Work Every Day Follow us on social media to see the amazing work we do every day.
Your host for this evening is a legendary Sports Broadcaster and Events Host. A leading member of the Sky Sports presenting team since 2009 and now the face of Professional Darts on ITV, Pete Graves.
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Raffle &Raffle Games
We will have a few games on the evening in addition to our auction, as you arrive we will have volunteers selling raffle tickets and before dinner starts we will visit all tables for higher and lower participants. Recognising most people are cashless we do have a couple of card machines (which are occasionally plagued by wifi issues - it would be very helpful if you could bring a little money for participation in these games.
2 Hospitality Newcastle United tickets in the Moncur Suite Hilton Gateshead Overnight stay for 2 Bailiffgate Hotel Bed and Breakfast for 2 Omega x Swatch Bioceramic Moon Watch in Pink
Together, we make every house a home At Sarah Mains, we believe home is where lives take shape and communities grow. We’re proud to stand with the Percy Hedley Foundation, supporting brighter futures and celebrating the people who make the North East feel like home.
£20 a Ticket Charity Number: 515943
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Thank You to
Consett and District Golf Club EXIT Escape Rooms Royal Station Hotel Bailiffgate Hotel Delta by Marriott, Newcastle, Gateshead Crowne Plaza Delifresh Twenty Twenty Close House Haveli Restaurant, Ponteland Pineapple and Bears Northumberland Zoo C&C Chipsnortheats Alnwick Castle Newcastle Racecourse Southmoor Golf Club Full Circle Brew Dakota Hotels / Reform Studio Gainford Group CMS Ltd
Molly’s Project, created by The Middleton Foundation, provides safe, secure homes for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who struggle to find suitable housing. Working with registered housing associations, including Places for People and YMCA North Tyneside, Molly’s Project buys and adapts homes to meet residents’ needs. The aim is to source and buy homes in the community close to parents and carers. Molly Homes come with a commitment to be forever homes that are well looked after and offer long-term stability. As of 2026, the Foundation has bought and adapted nine homes for 17 residents. Looking ahead, we hope to help more parents navigate the care system and find the right long-term home for their adult children.
Headline Sponsor
Inspiration Ball 2026
Scan to Donate
Charity Number: 515943
percyhedley.org.uk