AROUND 1,000 people turned out for an evening of festive songs, readings and live music at Demelza Hospice Care for Children’s annual Canterbury Carol Concert.

The charity’s annual Celebration of Christmas event took place at Canterbury Cathedral on Monday 17 December, and saw magical performances from harpist Emma Hopper, the Kent School of Performing Arts and the Canterbury Cathedral Choir.

The congregation enjoyed readings from former EastEnders star Harry Reid, Heart FM Radio Presenter Jonny Meah, Demelza founder president Derek Phillips and parent Glynnis Wisby.

Mum-of-two Glynnis shared a touching moment when she lit a candle with 16-year-old daughter Elke, who has been cared for by Demelza since she was just two years old. The pair can be seen in Demelza’s #FullLife Christmas Appeal video which has been narrated by actor and Demelza Vice President Daniel Radcliffe.

Lucy Hudson, 24, a member of the Demelza Young Adult Forum, also shared her positive experiences of Demelza in a moving poem she had written called ‘Home from Home’.

More than £18,000 was raised on the sell-out night which will help Demelza to provide care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones, living in Kent, South East London and East Sussex.

Hayley Richardson, Head of Community and Events at Demelza, said: “We are truly grateful to everyone who attended this beautiful evening of carols and festivities and to all the performers and readers.

“As a charity, Demelza is almost entirely dependent on the generosity of the public to provide the funds that keep our services going. We very much look forward to seeing our supporters in 2019.”

To donate to the Demelza #FullLife Christmas Appeal visit www.demelza.org.uk/christmas or to book onto a Demelza 2019 event visit www.demelza.org.uk/events

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk, follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/demelzahospice or @demelzahospice on Twitter.