On Wednesday 4 December, we gathered once again in the stunning surroundings of St Marylebone Parish Church in central London for our annual Together at Christmas event – a festive celebration to warm the heart and raise crucial funds for our ten ‘Homes from Home.’
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Balderton Capital, a spirited audience of 400 enjoyed a magical evening to launch the Christmas season, raising an incredible £18,383 to help us continue providing families with a welcoming place to stay this Christmas and beyond.
The evening showcased festive performances and seasonal readings, including appearances by proud ambassadors Tim Downie and Alice Beer, Silent Witness star Emilia Fox, Smooth Radio breakfast host Jenni Falconer, and TV presenter Rochelle Humes. The incomparable voice of coloratura soprano and ambassador Christina Johnston mesmerized the audience with breathtaking renditions of Ave Maria (Rombi) and O Holy Night, leaving everyone enthralled.
Returning for a second year, the London Show Choir delivered enchanting performances of Carol of the Bells and Mary, Did You Know, while the ever-charming Tootsie Rollers performed crowd-pleasing renditions of Love to Keep Me Warm and Leonard Cohen’s modern classic, Hallelujah.
For the third consecutive year, the adorable Toffee Bear Choir from Grimsdell, Mill Hill Pre-Preparatory School brought joy and laughter to the room, much to the delight of their proud parents. Introduced by composer Karina Moore, the choir performed her beautiful carol A Christmas Lullaby and the whimsical I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Later, in a heartwarming collaboration with the London Show Choir, they delighted the audience with a spirited performance of Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.
Amid the festivities, the evening also offered a poignant reminder of the vital role our ‘Homes from Home’ play. Lucinda Eason shared her deeply moving story about how her family found comfort and support during their darkest days. In August 2022, Lucinda’s two-year-old son, Oliver, became critically unwell. For more than eight weeks, our Stevenson House and Rainbow House ‘Homes from Home’ provided a haven for Lucinda, her husband Ewan, and their eldest son Leonardo – who delivered a Bible reading on the night – allowing them to stay close to Ollie as he received life-saving care at the Royal London and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.
The Sick Children’s Trust extends heartfelt thanks to all the evening’s performers, readers, and supporters. A special note of gratitude goes to Reverend Canon Dr. Stephen Evans for yet again providing us with the warmest of welcomes at St Marylebone Parish Church for a truly unforgettable evening.
