It was freezing cold outside, but there was a warm reception for everybody at Harefield Hospital’s Carols by Candlelight last week.

Over 100 staff, patients, charity supporters and Harefield locals joined us for our end of year celebration at St Mary’s Church. We were also thrilled to welcome Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Shehryar Ahmad-Wallana to the service.

Our guests were treated to beautiful performances from our choirs on the night, including the energetic Harefield Junior School choir, who got all of us in the festive spirit. It was especially wonderful to welcome Singing for Breathing back to Carols by Candlelight after a two-year break.  

The concert raised £756, which will go towards the Next Generation Genetics appeal and will help patients with inherited heart and lung diseases, and their families, receive diagnoses earlier and get treated sooner.

A huge thank you to Juliette O’Loughlin, Sam Queen and everyone from our local Co-ops for their support throughout the year, and their incredible generosity in supplying mince pies, mulled wine and treats for all guests. Thank you to our readers; Professor John Dunning, Steven Pursey and Henry Hargraves, and thank you to Peter of Pen & Ink Graphic. Lastly, thank you to Revd Martin Davies, Rowena Scott and everyone at St Mary’s Church for hosting our service again this year.

You can find out more about the Next Generation Genetics appeal via this appeal page.