Global superstar, Rod Stewart, has today been confirmed as the headline act at an annual fundraising event for Archant London s chosen charity, Caudwell Children, which is being supported by the Ham&High. The generous singer, famed for hits including Ma

Global superstar, Rod Stewart, has today been confirmed as the headline act at an annual fundraising event for Archant London's chosen charity, Caudwell Children, which is being supported by the Ham&High.

The generous singer, famed for hits including Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Sailing, has agreed to donate his appearance and perform at the Caudwell Children 'Butterfly Ball' in May after learning about the work of the Charity.

The exclusive performance at London's Battersea Evolution on May 14, will be in front of an impressive guest list of celebrities and charity supporters and will be the first performance in England by Stewart since appearing at the Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

Stewart is the latest superstar to perform at the high profile event, which raises funds to provide vital specialist equipment, treatments and therapy for sick and disabled children living in the UK. Founded by successful entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist, John Caudwell, the Charity has donated over �9million and helped change the lives of thousands of children across the UK.

Trudi Beswick, CEO of Caudwell Children, said: "Rod Stewart is without doubt one of the most influential performers of a generation, totally unique and still one of the World's top entertainers. We are thrilled that Rod has confirmed as our headline act and that he has kindly donated his time to the Charity, it is set to be an electrifying night and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help."

Stewart's career began in the 60's when he sung with bands including The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, but it was as a solo artist that Stewart gained international acclaim making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. His distinctive raspy voice and emotive song writing secured him an impressive six consecutive UK number one albums and total of 62 hit UK singles. His latest studio album, Still the Same...Great Rock Classics of Our Time, was released in 2006 and went straight to Number 1 in the US Billboard charts.

By performing at the Butterfly Ball in May, Stewart joins the likes of Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, who have both previously entertained the audience of influential entrepreneurs, corporate partners and international celebrities at the glamorous fundraiser.

In 2008 celebrity guests including Joan Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh and David Furnish attended what is fast becoming the most anticipated charity event of the year and joined in raising a staggering �1.5million for the Charity.

Caudwell Children is a national charity that provides direct donations of treatments, therapies and specialist equipment throughout the UK. To date the charity has donated over �9 million to thousands of children with over 160 different medical conditions.

The Charity is unique in that all the management and administration costs are covered by its founder and Chairman, John Caudwell, meaning every penny raised goes directly to the cause.

Earlier this year Caudwell Children announced that their flagship fundraising event had been renamed 'The Butterfly Ball' in honour of charity beneficiary, 8-year-old Tilly Griffiths who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and raised thousands of pounds for the Charity by auctioning a handmade picture.

The 2008 ball, held at Battersea Evolution in May, raised a staggering �1.5million for the Charity and attracted media coverage from over 14 countries across the globe.

Formerly known as 'The Legends Ball' and 'The Bedrock Ball', the annual event attracts celebrities and leading business people from around the country, who help to raise funds for the Charity and enjoy performances from artists including Whitney Houston and Tina Turner.

To date Caudwell Children has donated over �9 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions