A Night at Belfast’s Kidney Care UK Gala Ball 2025
By Shantelle King.
Earlier this month, our Academy team and Associate Consultants attended the Kidney Care Gala Ball 2025 in Belfast – a special evening that brought together people from all walks of life to support those living with kidney disease.
Hosted by BBC Sports presenter, Stephen Watson, this year’ ball was a night to remember. This night brought together hundreds of influential guests from patients and advocates to healthcare professionals and volunteers. Stephen’s own experience as a kidney transplant recipient also added a personal touch to the evening and reminded everyone of the real stories behind the cause.
About The Event and Kidney Care UK
Held in the stunning surroundings of Titanic Belfast, this year marked the 50th anniversary of Kidney Care UK’s mission to ensure that “no one faces kidney disease alone”.
It was clear this wasn’t just a social event, and this event reflected the importance of giving back. In attendance were medical experts, elected representatives, local businesses, and community leaders, all united in their support for Kidney Care UK.
Throughout the evening, speakers took the opportunity to reflect on the progress Kidney Care UK has made since its founding, and the work that still lies ahead. From increasing awareness to providing practical and emotional support, the charity continues to play a vital role in the lives of thousands of patients and their families across the UK.
“The event was really inspirational, very heart-warming to hear real life stories from people who are kidney donors and receivers - and how the process of donating or receiving has changed lives. It shows the impact of Kidney Care UK and has prompted me to finally tick off a big thing from my to do list, which was to sign up to become an organ donor.”
An evening to remember
What stood out most to our team was the shared sense of purpose. Conversations throughout the evening touched on the challenges faced by kidney patients in Belfast – including long waiting lists, limited treatment options and the need for better support services. This Gala Ball provided a valuable space for these conversations to happen, as well as opportunities for new partnerships (and ideas) to take shape.
As a team, we came away feeling inspired by the passion and dedication of everyone involved – from the event organisers and charity staff to the patients and families who shared their stories. This was truly a celebration of a community that cares deeply about making life better for those affected by kidney disease.
“The Kidney Care UK Gala was such a special evening; full of warmth, generosity and stories that really stayed with all of us. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate the incredible work being done to support those living with kidney disease. I can speak for all of us when I say we left feeling genuinely moved and reminded of the impact compassion and community can have.”
A Brighter Future
The 2025 Gala Ball was a powerful reminder of the effective impact that can be made when a community comes together with a shared goal.
For our team, this event also reaffirmed our own commitment to championing wellbeing within the tech community. As we continue to grow and innovate in our industry, we recognise the importance of supporting mental and physical health – not just in our own networks, but across the wider community.
Events like the Gala Ball show how the values of care, connection and collaboration are just as essential in healthcare as they are in tech.
Our team were honoured to be invited to such a meaningful evening, and we remain committed to playing our part in supporting better wellbeing across every sector, including our own.
