The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity is preparing to host its 16th annual celebrity carol concert at the magnificent St Paul's Church in Knightsbridge, creating a magical evening to raise crucial funds for families caring for children with life-threatening or terminal conditions.
Star-Studded Festive Lineup
This year's event on Thursday, December 4 will be hosted by former professional tennis star and television presenter Annabel Croft. The evening features an impressive roster of celebrity readers including renowned author Sebastian Faulks, celebrated for classics like Birdsong and Charlotte Gray, and actress Helen Worth, beloved for her long-running role as Gail Tilsley in Coronation Street.
Adding to the star power is actor Sebastian De Souza, recognised for his performances in The Life List, The Great, Normal People, Medici and Skins. The musical programme promises to be equally spectacular with performances from soprano Margaret Keys, whose album The Gift of Music has topped UK Classical and Classic FM charts, and baritone William Costello, a regular member of the Irish National Opera Chorus.
The Elstree School Chapel Choir will complete the musical ensemble, presenting arrangements of classical Christmas songs and leading traditional carol singing for the congregation.
A Family's Touching Story
One of the most poignant moments will be a reading from nine-year-old Nina, who will attend alongside her younger sister Lilia and parents Ilona and Tom. The family has received support from Rainbow Trust since March 2023, after Lilia stopped breathing in her mother's arms, requiring immediate first aid.
Lilia was diagnosed at just four weeks old in March 2021 with a rare complex genetic condition that severely impacts multiple aspects of her health. The condition has resulted in global development delay, decreased muscle tone, swallowing difficulties, frequent chest infections, sleep apnoea, seizures, hearing problems and silent reflux.
Lilia requires constant monitoring, is unable to sit unaided, non-verbal, tube-fed and needs round-the-clock care. Family Support Workers Lilia and Merissa have provided both practical and emotional support to help the family cope with these immense challenges.
Ilona shared: "Before Rainbow Trust, I was stuck in my house for two years. I didn't have contact with any families or with any children like my daughter Lilia. This was the worst time of our lives, especially in the beginning when we didn't know what was going on with our daughter."
Vital Support for Families in Crisis
Rainbow Trust provides essential support to families navigating the overwhelming reality of having a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. When a child becomes seriously ill, family life is completely disrupted, and every moment becomes increasingly precious.
The charity pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who helps them maximise their time together, offering both practical assistance and emotional support for as long as needed.
Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the event: "We are really looking forward to celebrating and welcoming guests, readers and musicians to our 16th Annual Carol Concert, which is one of our most admired and popular fundraising events."
She added: "Christmas can often be one of the hardest times of the year for the families we support and we are so grateful that Lilia and her family are able to attend, and that her sister Nina is able to read for us. This event will get people into the festive spirit while fundraising for an immensely important cause, meaning our Family Support Workers can help those families have the best Christmas possible."
Hundreds of guests are expected to attend the candlelit event, where they'll be welcomed with mulled wine and mince pies from 6pm before enjoying the festive readings and musical performances.
Tickets are priced at £45 each, with a reduced rate of £25 for under-25s. Online booking is now available through the Rainbow Trust website, offering the public an opportunity to support this vital charity while enjoying an unforgettable festive experience.
