Festive evening at Canterbury Cathedral raises thousands for Demelza
An annual festive fundraiser at Canterbury Cathedral has raised thousands for Demelza.
The cathedral hosted its 21st Celebration of Christmas event for the charity last night (Tuesday 16).
Guests enjoyed festive readings from Demelza Celebrity Ambassadors, singer and presenter Cheryl Baker and actor, singer and dancer Anna-Jane Casey.
The audience heard from Peter, whose son Jude is supported by Demelza and whose family appears in the charity’s Bring Sunshine Christmas Appeal.
There were also performances from Canterbury Cathedral Choir, the Kent School of Performing Arts Choir (KSPA) and the Demelza Choir.
Anna-Jane Casey also performed You Are My Sunshine with KSPA after Peter had spoken about the sunshine Demelza brings to his family.
More than 800 people were there to enjoy the evening and altogether the event raised almost £26,000 for Demelza.
Demelza’s Senior Events Manager, Anna Watson, said: “It’s always such an honour to host our annual Celebration of Christmas event in a venue that’s iconic around the world.
“We would like to thank all our supporters who came along so generously donated to Demelza.
“We are very grateful to Peter for taking the time to join us – it means so much to our supporters to hear about the difference Demelza makes to families.
“Thanks also to all our readers and performers, our sponsors Kent Reliance, Cemanthe McKenzie of Lemon Feather Photography and of course to Canterbury Cathedral and all its staff.
“Events like this are so important in raising vital funds to allow us to continue supporting children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families.”
“It means so much to our supporters to hear about the difference Demelza makes to families.”
