The historic Leeds Minster provided a stunning backdrop for a festive evening of music and community spirit, as the West Yorkshire Fundraising Group's annual Christmas Concert returned for its third year. The event welcomed an audience of around 300 people and successfully raised £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
A Festive Evening of Music and Community
Now firmly established as a key moment in the region's festive calendar, the concert offered a varied programme of entertainment. The Great Yorkshire Chorus provided choral pieces, while performances came from vocalist Laura Turner and Steph and her Sax. Young dancers Bella Wolski and Lucy Miller added a dynamic element, and organist Shaun Turnbull's playing resonated through the Minster.
Broadcaster Matt Jameson hosted the evening, which was fully interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL) to ensure it was accessible to all attendees. This commitment to inclusivity allowed the entire community to share in the festive celebration.
Personal Story Highlights Impact of Local Support
A particularly moving moment came from Caitlin Scott, who shared her personal experience with cancer. She spoke candidly about her recent treatment and the profound difference the Macmillan Information Centre in Calderdale made during her journey.
Caitlin explained how the centre's staff helped her navigate her diagnosis, access practical guidance, and provided crucial emotional support at a time when, in her words, "everything felt overwhelming." Her testimony powerfully underlined the real-world impact of the funds being raised.
Funds to Support Vital Cancer Services Across West Yorkshire
The £3,000 was raised through ticket sales and a raffle, building on the success of last year's event which also generated over £3,000. In 2024 alone, the Macmillan Volunteer West Yorkshire Fundraising Group has contributed to raising more than £30,000 locally.
Organisers took the opportunity to signpost the wide range of support Macmillan offers. Key services highlighted included the Macmillan Support Line (0808 808 00 00), open seven days a week, the Macmillan Buddy Service, and local community meet-ups organised by volunteers to reduce isolation. Details were included in the programme and announced from the stage.
Adele Burrough, chair of the fundraising group, expressed her gratitude: "We were absolutely thrilled to have welcomed so many familiar faces back... The funds raised will directly support Macmillan’s vital services across our region." She added that knowing the concert helps ensure no one faces cancer alone "means the world to our group."
The final total for this year's event will be confirmed once all donations are counted, but organisers are confident the community's generosity will directly benefit Macmillan services in West Yorkshire.
