The Christmas spirit was in full flow in Uxbridge last night (15 December), as the local community came together for our Carols by Candlelight service, in aid of Harefield Hospital

Now in its third year, the event brought together over 100 people, including staff and patients from Harefield Hospital. The Charity would like to thank everyone who attended and to those who donated on the night, raising over £1,000.

Local choirs, schools and even supermarkets all contributed to the beautiful evening at St Mary’s Church, led by Reverend Martin Davies and Churchwarden Rowena Scott. The Charity is entirely grateful for all those who helped set up the event, which would not have been made possible without the aid of local groups.

Both the adult and junior choirs from St. Mary’s Church performed at the event, and were followed by Harefield Junior School and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals’ very own Singing for Breathing group. Choir mistress Kay McHugh led the singers, with Aideen McHugh accompanying on the harp. The mince pies and mulled wine were donated by local supermarkets, and were enjoyed by all.

The Charity was delighted to welcome current Harefield Hospital patient Don Wootton, who had a double lung transplant at Harefield in 2016 and is an avid supporter and fundraiser, and special celebrity guest and ex-BBC weather forecaster, Dr Michael Fish. 

Mark Mason, Director of Harefield’s Heart Division, and Andrew Vallance-Owen, Non-executive Trust Board Director also performed readings at the event, alongside long-term Charity volunteers Jasmine Murphy and Gill Johns.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the Charity’s 3D Heart Surgery Appeal. This new, innovative camera system will enable safer and more accurate procedures in all of the hospital’s endoscopic cardiac work, ultimately meaning patients can return home after heart surgery far sooner.