Incredible £16k raises a big SMILE for charity

Fundraising ball is huge boost for respite retreat plans

- JUDITH TONNER

Great night A host of guests and local companies supported the SMILE fundraising ball Loving family Charlotte with dad Stephen at SMILE's Hamilton shop in October

A Lanarkshire charity has earned an incredible boost of more than £16,000 thanks to its inaugural charity ball.

SMILE, which supports children with serious illnesses and their families, said the glittering sold-out event at luxury High Blantyre venue Crossbasket Castle was “a resounding success” and will support their work to establish a respite retreat facility at a long-vacant care home in Stonehouse.

The event was such a success that plans are already in place to make it an annual event - with next year’s fundraising ball already booked to take place at the same venue on November 14, 2026.

Charity founder Wendy Meek told the Hamilton Advertiser: “We're thrilled to say we raised an incredible £16,547, and the atmosphere was just electric - full of joy, energy, and an amazing sense of community love.

“The event was a resounding success and allowed us to share our journey and mission with supporters, and we were delighted with the generosity of support from our sponsors and the amazing donors in the room.

“It's wonderful news that so much was raised and the proceeds raised will be invaluable to help SMILE further its mission to create a respite centre in Lanarkshire for seriously ill and disabled children and to continue to support these families as we progress on this journey.”