Image: Choir singing in the Wren Chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
We welcomed back guests to our flagship annual social and fundraising event, Carols from Chelsea, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on the 7 December.
The service, held in the stunning Wren Chapel, marks the start of the festive season for many of our supporters, with a wonderful programme of music, carols and readings from guest performers.
This year actors Toby Jones OBE, Patricia Hodge OBE and Céline Buckens, star of BBC’s ‘Showtrial’, gave readings at the service, alongside former Member of Parliament Sir Nicholas Soames.
Our Chief Executive Professor Kristian Helin and Chair Professor Julia Buckingham CBE both attended the event. Professor Buckingham gave our guests a special welcome at that start of the service and thanked them for their generous support.
Watch our video with highlights from this year’s Carols from Chelsea, featuring readings from actor Toby Jones OBE and In-Pensioner Dewi Treharne:
Vital funds raised for our research
Carols from Chelsea is now into its 19th year and has raised more than £1.7 million pounds for our life-saving cancer research.
Last week’s event has raised more than £74,000 for our cancer research so far, and video highlights of the service has been shared with supporters who couldn’t attend, to attract further donations.
We are so grateful for the many generous donations and the fantastic lucky envelopes’ prizes kindly donated by individuals and organisations that all help to make this a successful event.
After the service, guests gathered for a Laurent-Perrier champagne reception, and the opportunity to speak with our guest readers and performers. All proceeds from the service go towards the ICR’s world-leading cancer research.
A welcome return
Last year we were in a national lockdown and had a ‘virtual’ service. So this year, with precautions in place to keep everyone safe, we were thrilled to be back in person at our favourite venue for a fabulous evening of festive cheer.
It was a pleasure to welcome back so many supporters and friends for our first in-person fundraising event for more than a year.
On the evening, Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Chair of the ICR told attendees:
“As supporters of the ICR and our research, I hope you will take comfort from our progress on behalf of your loved ones affected by cancer – as well as some pride for the part you’ve played in making our discoveries possible.
“It is thanks to your generosity that we are able to rise to huge scientific challenges and advance our knowledge for the benefit of cancer patients.”
Thank you to Diana McKenzie-Charrington and the committee who have organised this year’s Carols service.
And of course – thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and made donations. We look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of Carols from Chelsea next year.
There’s still time to make a donation. Watch our Carol service, and hear Hilary Morgan talk about her husband Tim, who had bowel cancer and was an avid supporter of our research. Help us discover the kinder, smarter treatments that are urgently needed.
Donate now