This January, Gift of Life hosted a truly special event—the London premiere of Healing, at the historic Theatre Royal Haymarket. More than just a cultural occasion, the evening became a powerful act of philanthropy, raising over £600,000 to provide life-saving medications and cancer treatments for children battling cancer.
Over 800 guests gathered in support of Gift of Life to witness the premiere of Healing, a compelling play by Mikhail Durnenkov, directed by Elmars Seņkovs, and starring renowned actresses Chulpan Khamatova and Yulia Aug. The story follows investigative journalist Sonya (Khamatova) and Anna (Aug), who is set to take over the leadership of the charity foundation Healing after her father’s death. When Anna uncovers financial wrongdoing within the foundation, her world unravels. Sonya, determined to expose the truth, risks the foundation’s future. The powerful conflict between the two women delves into themes of trust, morality, and public perception, turning a personal drama into a gripping public scandal.
Reflecting on the experience, Chulpan Khamatova shared:
“Working on Healing was a truly eye-opening experience for me. It reminded me how dangerous and foolish it is to judge others and take pleasure in one’s own sense of superiority. This fragile illusion can collapse in an instant, and the accuser can become the accused. It’s heartbreaking how much energy is spent on accusations and justifications when it should be directed toward truly important things—saving lives, helping children in need of cancer medication, and protecting our fragile world.”
Among the distinguished guests supporting Gift of Life on this remarkable night were patrons Ralph Fiennes and Lyuba Galkina, trustees Svetlana London, Elena Lileeva, and Vadim Levin, as well as many long-time supporters and friends of the charity.
Lyuba Galkina and Ralph Fiennes
Chulpan Khamatova and Svetlana London
Thanks to ticket sales, donations, and an exclusive charity auction, the evening raised an astounding £600,000, ensuring that children under Gift of Life’s care can access the most modern and effective medications and life-saving treatments they desperately need.
Gift of Life extends its heartfelt gratitude to Theatre Royal Haymarket for staging this special performance, to our friends at Zima Magazine, Zima Restaurant, and our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable help in making the event a great success. We are endlessly grateful to Khamatova, Aug, Durnenkov, and Seņkovs for generously offering their time and talent to support the charity mission of helping children beat cancer. And thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported this event—every donation makes a real difference, giving children a chance for recovery and a future.
The premiere of Healing reaffirmed the power of art—not only to inspire, but to bring people together in a shared mission of hope and support. It was a night that blended culture and compassion, reminding us that through collective generosity, we can save lives.