DAME Joanna Lumley and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth are amongst the celebrity readers at a carol concert for a national cancer support charity that has a centre in Wirral.

Other speakers at the event at historic St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Thursday, December 7, include actor Charles Dance, author and former Scottish Poet Laureate Jackie Kay, actor Sir Simon Russell Beale CBE and chef and Great British Bake Off judge, Prue Leith.

It starts at 7pm, with all proceeds to Maggie’s Cancer Charity which has a base within the grounds of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Tickets for the event are from: https://tickets.barbican.org.uk/choose-seats/1602401

Maggie's has been supporting people with cancer and their families in the Wirral since 2014 and in the new purpose-built centre since 2021.

The charity’s chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: “We are really looking forward to what promises to be a very special evening. “Our carol concerts are always enchanting, but to be in St Paul’s Cathedral this year is quite incredible.

“Of course, this is more than just an extraordinary evening. The funds raised will help us support people living with cancer at a time when circumstances have never been more challenging for people coping with a diagnosis.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has already contributed, especially our readers, musicians and our sponsors – The Phoenix Group, Sir Robert MacAlpine and Clipfine.”

There are also a limited number of tables available for our post-concert reception and gala dinner in the beautiful Crypt of St Paul's, with Petit Fours designed by Prue Leith.

Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.

Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors.

For more information about Maggie's carol concert and dinner, visit https://www.maggies.org/get-involved/maggies-carol-concert-st-pauls-cathedral/ or get in touch with the Maggie’s Events Team on rsvpcarols@maggies.org.