June has been another busy and rewarding month, filled with a wonderful mix of business, fundraising, friendship and reflection.

One of the highlights of the month has been continuing to see the legacy of the #MJFarewellBall come to life. Whilst the event itself may now be behind us, the impact is very much ongoing. Over recent weeks, we’ve announced further donations to a range of fantastic causes, including Foundation 92, whose funding will support mental health programmes for young people in primary schools across Salford. Seeing funds raised on one special evening being transformed into meaningful support for children and young people is exactly what fundraising should be about.

I was also delighted to see one of the Farewell Ball’s most popular Grand Auction prizes come to fruition. The exclusive lunch with Freddie Flintoff and Piers Morgan at The Goring Hotel contributed £45,000 towards the £100,000 we raised for the Manchester MediCinema Appeal. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with laughter, conversation and generosity, all in support of a project that will bring the magic of cinema to young patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

June has also provided plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends, both old and new. A few days in London offered a welcome change of scenery, combining business and charity meetings with some memorable social occasions. From celebrating with friends at Romano’s and Soho House to catching up with Christopher Biggins and Neil, it served as an important reminder that while work and ambition are important, so too are the relationships that enrich our lives.

Professionally, I’ve found myself reflecting on the changing conversations around sustainability and the circular economy. One of the themes I’ve spoken about this month is the hidden challenge of surplus stock and the opportunities that exist when businesses take a more creative and responsible approach to products that might otherwise go to waste. It’s encouraging to see more organisations embracing sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

As always, June has reinforced something I have long believed: success is rarely about one big moment. It is built through relationships, consistency, generosity and the willingness to keep moving forward.

As we head into the second half of the year, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities ahead, the people around me and the causes that continue to inspire me.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support my fundraising, my business ventures and the charitable work that means so much to me. There is plenty more to come.

I’m proud to share some of the first donations now making a real difference: