UK end of life charity Marie Curie spread festive cheer with an emotional choir performance at one of its hospices for patients, nurses, and staff. Actor, producer, and Strictly Come Dancing star, Greg Wise, led the performance from a choir, coinciding with the hospice’s first Christmas lunch since pre-pandemic two years ago.
With a personal connection to Marie Curie after the charity supported him and his sister when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the ex-Strictly star was delighted to perform to the team at the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead, in addition to serving lunch alongside senior management.
The special visit included a host of carols and festive hits sung by The Big Gospel choir including Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, thanking nurses and staff for their hard work throughout the year. As well as nurses and staff, the choir also performed to patients, including Gerry Finn, 56 from London. Gerry said: ‘I’ve always loved a choir; I like the homely vibe’.
Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for those who are terminally ill, and their loved ones, with Marie Curie providing crucial support for individuals and families.
Greg Wise, Actor and Marie Curie Ambassador said: “It’s always a pleasure to visit the Marie Curie hospice and spend time with their incredible staff. Marie Curie provides a community for people and, especially at this time of year, that’s something that is truly invaluable. I am forever grateful for the support they gave me when I was looking after my sister. To be able to come to the Hampstead hospice alongside the fabulous choir and help bring some joy to the extraordinary nurses and staff who work so tirelessly throughout the year was wonderful.”
Debbie Ripley, Associate Director of Services in London at Marie Curie said: “Our nurses and staff have gone above and beyond in providing care and support to people living with a terminal illness this year so it was lovely to surprise them. It also meant a lot to provide a special moment for our patients and hopefully create a lasting memory for their loved ones. Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are at the end of life, caring for someone who is terminally ill or coping with a bereavement. We would encourage anyone who may need support over Christmas and the New Year to reach out to Marie Curie.”
Marie Curie’s Information and Support line will be open over the festive period, to provide practical information as well as emotional support for anyone who needs it. Contact Marie Curie for free on 0800 0902309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online or to find out other ways the charity can support you.
To find out more about Marie Curie’s work and how to donate, visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/
