An online audience of more than 5,000 watched Norwood’s “annual dinner reimagined” on Monday night – five times the number who would normally have attended the physical event.
It was a star-studded event, hosted by Jonathan Ross, who got involved after seeing Talya, the eldest daughter of Norwood CEO Dr Beverley Jacobson, cycling past his house on a red tricycle during the first lockdown singing at the top of her voice.
Talya has mild quadriplegic cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and a severe visual impairment and Ross was impressed by her spirit.
Singer Craig David also has a link to Norwood, having encountered a group of the charity’s supporters and service users on a cycling fundraiser in South Africa, where he was on tour. He went on to play an “Up Close and Personal” show in London to raise funds for the charity.
There were also contributions from Lulu, Dame Darcey Bussell, Lewis Capaldi, Michael McIntyre, Natasha Kaplinsky, Robert Rinder, Katie Piper and Strictly’s Aljaz and Janette.
First-hand examples of Norwood’s work were shown in films about three families who have benefited from its support.
The virtual dinner also marked Norwood’s 225th anniversary and on the eve of the event, its patron, The Queen, sent a message extending “warm good wishes to Norwood’s beneficiaries, staff and all those associated with the charity.
“As your patron, I am well aware of Norwood’s long association with the Royal Family and of your continued important work in providing support and care to individuals and families experiencing difficult times.
“I wish you all an enjoyable and memorable virtual dinner event this evening, as you celebrate this significant milestone in the history of Norwood.”
Dr Jacobson said that in a challenging year, “we had to think more innovatively about how we could fundraise online to make our services sustainable in such tough economic times.
“We are incredibly proud of our achievement which ensures that we stand out in a crowded marketplace while demonstrating what can be achieved through belief, passion and commitment.”
