A Night to Remember: The 2026 Incubator Ball

Ickle Pickles are thrilled to announce that funds raised on the night were £65,000, with funds still coming in.

All funds raised are in support of Ickle Pickles and their current appeal for a CritiCool Mini Control Unit. This small bedside machine helps protect newborns who have experienced a significant lack of oxygen at birth and is vital to save newborn babies suffering from neurological conditions. It gently lowers and controls the baby’s body temperature, giving their brain time to recover and reducing the risk of long-term disability. 

An Evening of Celebration and Support

The black-tie event’s headline sponsor, Rothesay, generously supported an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting neonatal care. The night began with a delightful welcome drinks reception, sponsored by Veremark, setting the stage for an evening filled with a sumptuous sit-down dinner, thrilling silent and live auctions, and fabulous live music. Guests were also treated to the much-loved Incubator Draw, a highlight of the event.

Charlie and Isobel, the original Ickle Pickles, graced the occasion with a heartfelt welcome. Charlie and Isobel, who were both born prematurely, shared their personal journey before both their dads took over as MCs for the night.

Andy Marsh, who founded the charity with his wife Rachael 17 years ago, and trustee Ben Harvey, emphasised the significance of the event, which is the charity’s largest fundraiser. This year, the funds raised are designated for the newest neonatal unit at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, and also to support the London Neonatal Transfer Service.

The event welcomed representatives from various neonatal units across London, including Croydon, Barnet, Northwick Park, Homerton, St George’s, Lewisham, and Woolwich.

Personal Stories and Performances

TV weather presenter Laura Tobin shared her own neonatal journey, reflecting on the premature birth of her daughter Charlotte. Her speech resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the shared experiences of families affected by neonatal care.

Tom Gaunt, a neonatal dad, delivered a poignant speech about the realities of the NICU experience, emphasising the importance of community and support for families navigating this challenging journey. Tom explained about the Ickle Pickles Peer Support Group, otherNICUdads: “It is simple: a Local WhatsApp group for dads who’ve experienced NICU. No pressure. No therapy. No obligation. Just a quiet network in your phone — a place where someone else understands the language of grams, alarms, and uncertainty. Our aim is to reduce isolation, normalise conversation, and make it easier for men to talk about something that can otherwise stay bottled up.”

The success of the 2026 Incubator Ball was made possible by the generosity of our donors and participants. Thank you to a team of volunteers from The Langham Hotel who donated their time and expertise to make the evening a big success.

Special thanks to everyone who donated a prize to our auctions or raffle, helping us raise essential funds for neonatal care.

Special Mentions

• The evening’s success was bolstered by generous sponsors, including headline sponsor Rothesay and new sponsor Veremark, who supported the welcome drinks and the Heads and Tails game. 
• Australian Vintners: an exquisite wine selection for our Wine Hoopla and auction.
• Mama Bamboo: Your eco-friendly products highlighted sustainability at our incubator draw.
• Meaco UK: Thank you for your generous and innovative donation of a dehumidifier.
• Liverpool Football Club: Your exclusive tickets thrilled sports enthusiasts.
• The Magic Circle: Your enchanting experience for 70 guests captivated our bidders.
• And many more: We are grateful to all who donated, ensuring our fundraising success.

Special Thanks

Thank you to our auctioneer and performer, James Freedman, whose charisma enlivened our auctions, and to photographer Charlie Round-Turner for capturing the evening’s joy with stunning imagery.

A Memorable Conclusion

The night culminated with lively music from Groove Zoo, ending the event with joy and dance. A special treat was a performance by Ickle Pickle Charlie, who performed a song with the band.

To relive the magic of the evening, guests and supporters can catch up on photos and videos on Ickle Pickles’ Instagram page. The success of the Incubator Ball ensures that every newborn has a fighting chance, and we look forward to the next celebration and hope to welcome you at next year’s ball.

All your generosity has made a significant difference for premature and sick newborns and their families. Thank you for being part of this journey.