As April draws to a close and the season shifts into summer, I’ve been reflecting on just how powerful this time of year can be. Spring symbolises renewal and hope, and with the MJBall24 donations now reaching the charities we support, that hope is being turned into action.

This year, as always, our mission is to uplift not just our headline charities but also smaller, local causes doing extraordinary work. One such organisation is Jak’s World, a suicide prevention charity created in memory of Jakub, who tragically died in February 2023. His parents, Ronak and Kasia, have channelled their grief into something remarkable. Jak’s World helps young people facing serious challenges through initiatives like music workshops, reiki, sound baths, and open mic events – all designed to foster creativity and connection. I’m so proud we could contribute £250 to support their powerful work.

We also gave £1,150 to the NSPCC Northwest, enough to fund 287 calls to Childline from children in need. That’s 287 young voices heard, supported, and protected. The NSPCC has been a safety net for children for over 140 years, and your generosity ensures that legacy continues.

A key beneficiary of MJBall24 is the Anne Frank Trust, which received £150,000. Their education programmes continue to challenge prejudice and promote inclusion, inspiring thousands of young people to stand up against hate. It’s an honour to support their mission.

£15,000 has been donated to Humans MCR, a brilliant Manchester-based charity tackling food poverty. From food bank deliveries to community grocers, their approach promotes dignity, choice, and unity. It’s heartening to see your support making real, local impact.

We’re also backing crucial medical research with £50,000 to Brain Tumour Research. Brain tumours kill more children than any other cancer, and this donation helps scientists develop better treatments at Centres of Excellence in London and Surrey. As CEO Dan Knowles said, this gift brings hope to families facing unimaginable diagnoses.

Another £150,000 went to the Rainbow Trust, who support families of seriously ill children through long-term, personal care. Based in Greater Manchester, their Family Support Workers are a lifeline. Your generosity means over 300 people will receive life-changing help.

We also supported The Endeavour Project in Bolton with £500 so the Easter Bunny could visit children affected by domestic abuse. That’s not all… we made two more donations of £2,500 each. One funded 250 Worry Monsters, like Walter, who helped 9-year-old Poppy cope after fleeing abuse. The other supports counselling for young survivors like Anna, who is healing after escaping a coercive relationship. Endeavour even offers pet fostering so families don’t have to leave beloved pets behind.

Stay tuned, because of course there will be LOTS more donations in the coming weeks announced to charities supporting children and young people.

Thank you, truly, for supporting the MJBall. Each pound raised, each moment donated, helps build a kinder, more compassionate world!

If you have any queries or would like to connect with Michael about any of the above, please get in touch.