Macmillan Carols by Candlelight Concert with Samantha Bond

She is best known for her role as Miss Moneypenny, but come 12th December Samantha Bond will be supporting a less enigmatic ‘M’ when she takes part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual ‘Carols by Candlelight’ concert.

The iconic James Bond actress and Downton Abbey star has been confirmed as one of the celebrity readers to feature at the annual event in St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge. Samantha Bond is a longstanding ambassador for Macmillan.

She will be joined on-stage by Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent for Sky News, who will lead guests through a series of much-loved carols and seasonal songs. Carols will be performed by award-winning choir Vox Cordis and after the concert, mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

Returning for its 29th year to the Grade II-listed venue in West London, this popular festive fixture will be aiming to raise much-needed funds for vital cancer support services across the capital. It has become a seasonal highlight of the community calendar in Kensington and Chelsea, where over 600 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Macmillan is funded almost entirely by public donations, so all money raised from this event will make a real difference to the growing number of people in London who need the cancer charity’s help. This year, organisers hope the carol service fundraiser will raise around £20,000 to boost a range of cancer support services across the city.

Samantha Bond said:

“Even if you haven’t had cancer yourself, everyone knows someone whose life has been turned upside down once they receive a diagnosis. Having supported my mum through cancer, I know how hard it can be to make sense of what is happening to you both physically and emotionally. But people needn’t feel alone with their worries, because Macmillan is there to support and advise every step of the way, whether it’s a Macmillan nurse supporting patients through treatment and beyond, or the Macmillan Support Line which is open 7 days a week.

“It’s a vital support network for anyone affected by cancer, so I was thrilled to be invited to lend my support to this year’s Carols by Candlelight concert. It is a really wonderful event that gets everyone into the spirit of Christmas while also reminding us how important it is to think of others during the festive season.”

Alison Boyd, Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital explained how the money raised could help people with cancer:

“Macmillan Cancer Support receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on public donations for its support. Whether it’s providing practical information about cancer, advising on treatment or helping patients with money worries, Macmillan can only continue to help people impacted by cancer because of fundraisers such as Carols by Candlelight.

“Just £140 could pay for a Macmillan grant to help cover a patient’s cancer treatment travel costs. While £204 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for a day, to provide people living with cancer with essential physical, financial and emotional support. So, it’s thanks to the continued support and generosity of the local community that Macmillan can continue to be right there with anyone impacted by cancer.”

Tickets are just £30 and details of sponsorship packages are available on request. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit the web link below, email [email protected] or call 07793579359.