In memory of Raisa
Mikhail Gorbachev flies to London for a charity event in honour of his late wife.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Russian president, flew into London this weekend as guest of honour at a party held in aid of the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation.
Joined by leading figures from the worlds of art, fashion, music and film, Mr Gorbachev was last night received by Alexander and Evgeny Lebedev, owners of the Independent titles and the London Evening Standard for an evening at their family home, Stud House, in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
As the evening cooled, the operatic soprano Anna Netrebko, then Bryan Ferry, performed for guests who included Hugh Grant, Vanessa Redgrave, David Walliams, David Furnish, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Patrick Cox, Goga Ashkenazi, Yasmin Le Bon and Jay Jopling. A drinks reception on the lawns was followed by a gala dinner and fundraising auction.
The auction included a triptych by Francis Bacon and works by Jeff Koons, Gavin Turk and Michael Craig-Martin. Guests moved to dinner through the re-creation of a gilded and onion-domed Russian Orthodox church.
Founded in 2006, the fund honours Mrs Gorbachev, who died of leukaemia in 1999. She campaigned to improve the lives of children with cancer by removing financial and political barriers to treatment. Since its foundation, the charity has raised over £5.5m, and the annual party has become a major fixture on the international social scene. Proceeds from last night's event will be divided between the foundation and Marie Curie Cancer Care, with which it has a strong alliance.
"My constant aim is to raise as much money as possible to alleviate the suffering of children who have cancer," Mr Gorbachev said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments