Team HOPE announces major Derry gala

A local non-profit foundation dedicated to physical wellness and mental resilience is calling on the community to join them for a major milestone evening. Team HOPE has officially announced its second annual Black-Tie Charity Gala, taking place on Friday, October 2 2026 at the prestigious Ebrington Hotel in Derry.

The event marks a massive turning point for the young organisation, which was founded in April 2024 by Derry native and two-time childhood leukaemia survivor, Sean Doherty.

After spending its first two years dedicating all fundraising efforts to The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in Belfast - raising over £5,000 as a way for Sean to give back to the ward that nursed him to health - Team HOPE is expanding its mission.

The foundation is now aggressively pushing to secure official Charity Status with a permanent vision: providing sports therapy, mountain hikes, community runs, and family fun days designed to lift people up when they are down and help them evolve on the way back up.

The highly anticipated gala will serve as the exclusive launchpad for Team HOPE's latest initiative. On the night, the team will unveil a brand-new project specifically designed to bring immediate comfort, joy, and relief to young children and families currently navigating the severe hardships of long-term illness.

Founder Sean Doherty explains that what they are unveiling is small, but they know it will make a massive, positive difference to kids and their parents during their darkest times. He highlights that their aim has always been to make a positive impact, big or small, in people's lives, young or old. He notes that this gala isn't just about celebrating how far they have come through their hikes, the winter warrior Hell & Back challenge in Wicklow, and community events, but about funding the future of wellness support in the city.

The evening promises a premium night of entertainment, community spirit, and high energy. The main event will be orchestrated by the quick-witted comedy and charm of the hosting duo The Phily-It Podcast and It’s Janer’s.

Guests can dance the night away to live sets from popular local DJs Liam Melly, Jay P Coyle, and Jessica Doherty (JSKA).

Tickets are priced at £60 per person and include a formal drinks reception, a luxury 3-course banquet dinner, a grand auction, and a high-value raffle featuring generous donations from local businesses.

Community backing has already been gaining momentum ahead of the night. A recent Airsoft camp-out generously hosted by Lea of Forest Fitness NI in Carrickfergus alone raised £390 to help fund the foundation’s outreach programs.

Team HOPE is now urging local businesses, residents, and supporters to buy a ticket, dress to impress, and be part of a movement that is putting community health and hope first.

Tickets can be purchased online via the official ticketing portal on Glistrr or by contacting the organisation directly via the ‘Team HOPE’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/p/Team-HOPE-61559042280676/.