The Veterans' Foundation joined some of Britain’s best-known faces for a poignant day of fundraising and remembrance marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
BGC Charity Day 2026 raised an outstanding $16 million — approximately £12 million — for good causes around the world, transforming the memory of colleagues lost in the attacks of 11 September 2001 into lasting support for others.
Veterans' Foundation CEO Jane Gurney attended the event alongside Foundation Ambassador Mark Ormrod MBE and Corporate and Philanthropy Lead Sarah Elliott.
Together, they represented the Armed Forces community on BGC’s bustling trading floor in Canary Wharf, raising awareness of the vital support needed by serving personnel, veterans and their families across the UK.
Mark, a former Royal Marine, became the first British triple amputee to survive the conflict in Afghanistan after sustaining life-changing injuries in an improvised explosive device blast in 2007.
He has since become an athlete, author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, as well as an inspirational advocate for the veteran community.
His presence at BGC Charity Day highlighted the courage and resilience found throughout the Armed Forces community, as well as the difference that timely, specialist support can make to veterans and their families.
This year’s event carried particular significance because it marked a quarter of a century since the attacks on the World Trade Center.
BGC and its former parent company, Cantor Fitzgerald, lost 658 colleagues on 11 September 2001 — the greatest loss suffered by any single organisation that day. A further 61 Eurobrokers employees also lost their lives.
Charity Day was created to honour their memory and transform an unimaginable tragedy into a lasting source of help for others.
Every year, BGC donates 100 per cent of the revenues and broker commissions generated during Charity Day to participating charities.
Clients and competitors also support the initiative by directing business through BGC, knowing that the revenue from their trades will benefit good causes.
Since the first Charity Day in 2005, the event has supported more than 900 charities around the world.
The $16 million raised in 2026 takes the overall total generated since 2005 to approximately $250 million.
“It was such a brilliant day. Representing the Veterans' Foundation and the incredible organisations working tirelessly to support the Armed Forces community was a real honour, said Mark Ormrod."
“Seeing so many people come together on the anniversary of 9/11 to champion charities that change lives every day made it even more special. It was a privilege to be part of it.”
More than 60 famous faces joined BGC’s brokers for this year’s event, picking up the phones, speaking to clients and helping to close trades in support of participating charities.
Among those attending were actors Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Hardy, Hugh Grant and Bill Nighy, comedian Michael McIntyre, musician Fatboy Slim, singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock and broadcasters Kate Garraway and Gabby Logan.
The sporting world was represented by Sir Gareth Southgate, Jamie Redknapp, Jamie Carragher, John Terry and Teddy Sheringham.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and philanthropist John Caudwell were also among those who took part.
Their involvement brought tremendous energy to the trading floor while shining a spotlight on charities working to change lives throughout the UK and beyond.
For the Veterans' Foundation, being selected as an invited charity provided an important opportunity to strengthen awareness of its work supporting the Armed Forces community.
Jane said: “The atmosphere at the event was incredible, but what matters most is the impact that follows.
“Behind every conversation and contribution are veterans, families and communities who will benefit from support long after today is over.
"We’re proud to be part of an event that helps make that support possible.”
Since its inception in 2016, the Foundation has awarded £40 million to projects delivered by more than 600 charities and charitable organisations across the UK.
The Veterans' Foundation is both honoured and proud to be invited to this incredible event for a second time and our sincere thanks to BGC Group, its employees and brokers, the celebrity ambassadors and everyone whose generosity made Charity Day 2026 possible.
