Rugby World Cup winner and sporting icon Will Greenwood MBE has been confirmed as host of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) Charity Ball 2025, bringing star power to one of the sector’s most anticipated events.
The event, headline-sponsored by Market Financial Solutions, will take place on 10 October 2025 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms to mark World Mental Health Day.
More than 50 mortgage industry firms have already pledged support, with over 320 tickets sold.
WINNING LINEUP
Joining Greenwood on the day will be Poppy Jaman OBE, founder of Mental Health First Aid England, who will appear as a special guest speaker.
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest-ever centres, Greenwood was a pivotal figure in the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad.
Over his career, he won 55 international caps, played for both Leicester Tigers and Harlequins, and earned three British and Irish Lions call-ups.
Since retiring, he has become a respected broadcaster, motivational speaker and passionate advocate for mental health awareness, including backing Legal & General’s ‘Not a Red Card’ campaign.
Greenwood’s involvement promises to make the afternoon an unforgettable occasion, with the former vice-captain bringing both his trademark humour and powerful personal insights into sport, resilience and wellbeing.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
The event is being led by William Lloyd-Hayward, COO of The Brightstar Group, and Jason Berry, group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance.
Funds raised will go to the Niall Stringer Foundation, an Essex-based charity providing mental health support and access to sports clubs for young people across the UK.
Lloyd-Hayward said: “The success of the Alzheimer’s charity ball in 2022 helped show there was space in our industry for an afternoon where we can come together to support good causes, raise vital funds and enjoy time together as a community.
“Working alongside Jason, we are delighted to bring this event to life and have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve already received. A huge thank you goes to Market Financial Solutions for their generous backing as our headline sponsor.”
In a break from tradition, the afternoon ball will be alcohol-free, highlighting its focus on wellbeing and creating a fresh, inclusive atmosphere for the industry to rally behind a vital cause.
