Posted on Monday 16th December 2024
(L to R) - Colonel Toby Gaddum DL, Julie Arkle DL, Sarah Elsom DL, Rev Jules Walker, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, Reena McCourt DL, Simon Davies RRC VR DL.
Staffordshire has joined communities from across the UK in hosting a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service.
The event, supported by The Royal Foundation, is part of a national initiative by The Princess of Wales ‘Together at Christmas’ service at Westminster Abbey, celebrating love, empathy and community spirit.
The service, held at St Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter, on Friday 13 December was one of fifteen regional events across the UK, each inspired by The Westminster Abbey service, which will be televised on ITV on Christmas Eve.
The Westminster Abbey service will honour individuals and organisations across the UK that have demonstrated love, kindness and empathy in their communities. The local events reflected the same theme, with stories of amazing care and compassion, showing the spirit of togetherness, in the hope that it resonates throughout the holiday season.
The Staffordshire celebration brought together 260 invited guests from across the county, surrounded by columns of Christmas trees and six independent choirs, who came together specially for the evening. Guests included local heroes, from all walks of life, who give their time to events, organisations and communities – everyone from charity founders and first aiders to sports club volunteers.
One person that attended the special Staffordshire service was Sarah Day from Werrington. Sarah has been raising awareness of sepsis, with the support of charity Sepsis Research FEAT, after the loss of her son Dylan aged 12 in 2018.
Sarah said:
“After a feeling no one should go through, I can now talk openly about grief and I’m proud to have created an online space to help others. By telling Dylan’s story in hospitals, in community training, on first aid courses and on social media, we have helped save many lives.”
Another welcomed guest was Rachael Olley of Stafford, whose son Connor was diagnosed with leukaemia, aged just five. After three and a half years of treatment, Connor received a clean bill of health and is now 27 years old. Following her experience, Rachel joined the charity Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance.
She said:
“I want to ensure that no other family feels isolated by their child’s cancer diagnosis and no sibling feels left out. That is why the charity I run supports the whole family when a child is diagnosed with cancer. I feel so fortunate that my son survived his diagnosis and that drives me to help others who receive that devastating news.”
Ian Dudson, CBE KStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said:
“I was humbled that Staffordshire was chosen alongside friends from fourteen other locations. As a county, we are rich with community spirit, full of kind people who care selflessly about others. The service celebrated each and every one of them.
“I’d simply want to say thank you to all the amazing volunteers and those who work in the care of others, who show kindness across their communities, going above and beyond to help others. Society is a much better place because of them.”
The service combined traditional and modern elements, offering a meaningful and inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none. Reverend Jules Walker of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Uttoxeter, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the heroes and champions of Staffordshire to our church. It was inspiring to hear their wonderful stories and to recognise the difference they make to our communities.”
Amanda Berry, CEO of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales added:
“I am delighted that the Royal Foundation has supported fifteen fantastic community carol services, bringing together the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ to every corner of the UK this festive season.
“These events create special moments that unite communities and recognise those who have shown exceptional compassion. Their selfless dedication to others has not gone unrecognised and we are proud to honour them this way.”
The Community Carol Services are proudly supported by The Co-Operative Group, which provided hot and cold drinks and festive treats, and Hobbycraft, which kindly gifted craft sets to all children that attended the services, as well as Christmas decorations.