Austin & Carnley Proud to Be Headline Sponsors of the Shay's Smiles Charity Ball 2026
It was an absolute honour for Austin & Carnley Solicitors to be the headline sponsors of this year's Shay's Smiles Charity Ball, held on Friday 9 October 2026 at Wilton Hall in Milton Keynes.
We were delighted to support such a special occasion, bringing people together to raise awareness and vital funds for a charity doing extraordinary work for children and families facing some of life's most difficult challenges.
Supporting an incredible cause
Shay's Smiles was established in memory of Shayen Patel, affectionately known as Shay, who sadly passed away in September 2020 at just 13 years old, following a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour. Inspired by Shay's kindness, warmth and unforgettable smile, his family created the charity to make a positive difference to others facing similar circumstances.
Today, Shay's Smiles provides much-needed support to families of children diagnosed with glioblastoma, while also funding vital research into new treatments and, ultimately, a cure. The charity's work is a remarkable example of turning personal tragedy into hope for others.
A wonderful evening for a meaningful cause
The annual Shay's Smiles Ball is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity, kindness and community spirit that make the charity's work possible. As headline sponsors, we were incredibly proud to play a part in this year's event and to stand alongside the many individuals, businesses and supporters who share a commitment to making a difference.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Nicola O'Dea-Patel, the Shay's Smiles team, the organisers, volunteers and everyone who contributed to making the evening possible.
Helping families protect what matters most
At Austin & Carnley, supporting families is at the heart of what we do. We understand how important it is to look after the people we love, plan for the unexpected and make sure our wishes are understood. Being involved with Shay's Smiles is a reminder of just how precious family, time and peace of mind really are.
It's also why we encourage people to think about their own plans for the future, even when life is busy and everything seems to be going well. If you've been meaning to review your arrangements but aren't quite sure where to begin, our free Legacy Health Check Quiz is a simple way to get started.
Find out more about Shay's Smiles
We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause and encourage others to learn more about the incredible work of Shay's Smiles. To discover more about the charity, its fundraising activities or how you can help, visit www.shayssmiles.org.
Thank you to everyone involved in helping to keep Shay's smile and legacy alive.
