Past events

Supporters' reception January 2010

BAAF started celebrating our 30th anniversary year on Tuesday 26 January at Goldsmiths’ Hall. This very special evening was enjoyed by many of BAAF’s supporters – from people who have run marathons and jumped out of planes for BAAF to Trusts who have funded our work. BAAF President, Rupert Hambro, BAAF Chair, Anthony Douglas and BAAF Chief Executive, David Holmes, addressed guests to explain how their support has helped our work. BAAF patron and actress, Nimmy March, shared her own adoption experiences with guests in a moving speech. The evening was also the launch event for 30 Years of Placing Children First, a report outlining BAAF’s key achievements since we were established in 1980.

Bag Ladies 2009

Nearly 150 guests joined us at BAAF’s annual Bag Ladies event on 1st July. Held in the Docklands, champagne flowed and delicious canapés were enjoyed while everyone pored over a stunning selection of designer handbags. Oona King, Head of Diversity at Channel 4 and former MP, and Andrew Barton, celebrity hairdresser on Ten Year’s Younger, were our guest speakers and gave very moving stories of their own adoption experiences. Oona spoke about being an adoptive mum and reminded guests that “Just because you can’t have children, doesn’t mean you can’t have children”.

 Nearly 20 guests were thrilled to win the bag of their choice in the raffle, with prizes donated by designers including Nicole Farhi, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel. And those who weren’t raffle winners had their chance to take home a top designer handbag in the auctions. Winning bidders received bags donated by Victoria Beckham, Escada, Burberry and Jaeger. Andrew Barton also generously donated not one but two haircuts with him – which raised nearly £1,000 alone! And no-one went home empty handed as we had lovely goody bags with treats inside including OK! Magazine, Benefit make up, Guylian chocolates and Andrew Barton hair mask. A wonderful night was had by all and raised over £10,000 for BAAF. Many thanks to everyone who supported Bag Ladies 2009. Photos from the event are on flickr.

Kissy Sell Out birthday gig

Radio 1 DJ Kissy Sell Out celebrated his brithday at the Brickhouse in London. He invited BAAF to fund raise. Over £100 was donated by his generous guests. Photos are available on flickr.com

Horseriding in Brazil and Rajasthan

Sarah took on the challenge of a 5 day horse trek in Brazil this year.

Jane Elston and her friend, Jules Adams, agreed to do the trek for BAAF in Rajasthan last year and she gives her account here.

"Our journey began in Narlai where we met our wonderful Marwari horses - the very same horses that had been ridden by Madonna and Brad Pitt in the past! Our trek took us across the most breathtaking countryside, visiting remote places that you can only get to by horse back where whole villages would come out to greet us as we rode past.  Our horses were rather feisty, but wonderful to ride. I admit I was scared sometimes as we cantered across the desert, but I always managed to stop my horse in the end!

"One of the best things was meeting everyone on the trek. We all bonded over our love of horses and wanting to help our various charities and I know I have made friends for life. Classic Tours organised our trip so well that we did not have to worry about anything and could concentrate on our riding and having a fantastic time and we were so well looked after.

We have several overseas challenges taking place every year. Email us to find out more.

London Marathon 2009

BAAF would like to say a big thank you to all our wonderful runners who took part in the London Marathon this year. Georgina Chahed, Caroline Elwen, Chris Holmes, Samm Postance, Catie Reed, Danielle Roberts, Matthew Sell, Daniel Smith, Mark Williams and Ben Wilson took to the hot streets of London and have so far raised over £11,500 for BAAF! They are an inspiration to us all and we are very grateful for their support.

If you would like to find out about running for BAAF in the Virgin London Marathon in 2010 please contact Daisy. We will give you fundraising advice, a BAAF running vest and lots of cheering on the day!