X Factor Stars LMA Choir bring the Christmas spirit to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
Posted 12th December 2018
X Factor stars the LMA Choir brought the festive spirit to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre with a special performance for patients and staff.
The singers, who were mentored by Robbie Williams during the TV talent show, performed a number of songs after the switching on of the Christmas tree lights at the hospital in Wirral.
The choir, who are all current or former students of Liverpool Media Academy, proved a big hit with more than 100 patients and staff who gathered outside to watch.
Their performance, which culminated with the Christmas Song Santa Claus is Coming to Town, was the fitting finale of a day of festive fun and fundraising for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
There were raffles, a tombola and mince pies and non-alcoholic mulled wine. Staff and patients were dressed in Christmas jumpers and the whole centre entered into the festive spirit.
Entertainment was provided throughout the day from Wirral Boys Grammar School Brass Band, Wallasey Ukulele Strummers, Upton Hall School Chamber Choir and Sing Me Mersey.
The Christmas tree was blessed by Hospital Chaplain Paul Dempster before the lights were lit and the LMA Choir, pictured above and below, performed.
Katrina Bury, Head of The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: “I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the whole day such a wonderful experience for our patients and staff.
"From our volunteers, to the wonderful entertainers from the local community and all the businesses who donated festive refreshments and decorations it really was a team effort.
“To have the LMA Choir here was a real treat and they were fabulous in finishing the day off in style, so a big thank you to them for finding the time for us in their busy schedule and to ComCab Liverpool for providing their transport.
“Christmas is a very special time of the year and we wanted to make it a magical day for everyone. It is thanks to the kindness and generosity of all those involved that we were able to do that.”
She also thanked local supermarkets including branches of Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco, Smylies in Bromborough as well as CSM and Hursts bakeries for providing mince pies, soft drinks and advent calendars.
Throughout the day volunteers delivered mince pies to patients and their families and friends on the wards.
Staff paid £1 to wear a Christmas jumper and there were sweet treats on sale.
More than £1500 was raised on the day for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
Raffle prizes included a luxury hamper for Claremont Farm worth £250 and a cinema experience for 20 people at the King Street Townhouse in Manchester worth £400.
