Go Back

Photos from Smile Train UK’s Summer Reception at the V&A

Heather Small MBE headlines a night of proud smiles

Heather Small speaking at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception

Smile Train UK’s second-annual Summer Reception, an exclusive event aimed at raising funds to bring smiles to children in need around the world, was another smashing success.

Smile Train lighting and signage outside the V&A Museum in South Kensington
The V&A is ready for a celebration of smiles

This elegant evening at the iconic V&A in South Kensington featured inspiring speeches from Smile Train’s CEO and President Susannah Schaefer and Cleft Community Advisory Council members Sue Maughan and Matilda Lansdown, who shared their own unique perspectives on their cleft journeys.

The highlight of the night was a performance by Smile Train UK Celebrity Ambassador Heather Small — recently honoured with an MBE for her significant contributions to the voluntary and charity sectors — who performed three tracks, including a moving rendition of her renowned song "Proud."

Gallery

Crowd cheering at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception
Guests smiling and holding drinks at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception
Musicians playing music at Smile Train's
Susannah Schaefer smiling and speaking at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception
Susannah Schaefer smiling with Heather Small at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception
Visitor at Smile Train UK's Summer Reception smiling and posing with a Smile Train poster

This year marks a significant milestone for Smile Train, as we enabled our 2 millionth surgery and celebrated our 25th anniversary globally. The reception was a heartwarming tribute to the smiles and transformations we have made together with our donors over the past quarter century, celebrating both our past achievements and the promising, smile-filled future ahead.

Even the rain couldn’t stop us!