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Press release posted 20 November 2024
On Tuesday 10 December 2024, Manchester Cathedral will be the backdrop for a special charity Christmas concert that promises to be a highlight of the festive season.
Hosted by broadcast journalist Michelle Eagleton, the annual Christie Charity Christmas Concert is a heart-warming fundraising event known for its magical ambiance. A selection of music and carols will be performed by The Beeline Trio, the Next Generation Youth Theatre as well as staff from The Christie hospital, including singers Angela Hayes and Victoria Donohue, saxophonist Dawn Harrop and pianist Katie Freemanjones who all share a love of music.
Renowned Manchester professional singer Jo Farrow will lead the ensemble in what promises to be another truly memorable festive experience for attendees of all ages.
The evening will also feature Christie patient and Charity fundraiser Lee Penrose as guest speaker who will be talking about his experience at The Christie, following his cancer diagnosis, as well as his amazing fundraising activities.
46-year-old Lee from Clitheroe was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia - a slow growing blood cancer - in 2011 when he was aged 31, which is especially young for this disease. He was admitted to The Christie and had 12 months of intense chemotherapy, under the care of Dr Adrian Bloor and the team in the haematology unit.
Once Lee had finished his treatment, he decided to embark upon a fundraising event for The Christie Charity in 2013 by canoeing the length of the Caledonian Canal in Scotland, which is 60 miles (100km) long.
Since then, Lee has been closely monitored at The Christie every 6 months and had remained in good health until the disease returned in late 2021 when it was more aggressive and needed specialist treatment.
When he had fully recovered, Lee and his oldest schoolfriend Shaun Lister decided to climb Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser for The Christie Charity on 4 February 2024, which was World Cancer Day. Lee and Shaun grew up in Burnley together, but Shaun now lives in Corsham, Wiltshire and is a Commander in the Royal Navy, while Lee is the MD of a Sports Engineering Business in Manchester.
“Since my CLL diagnosis in 2011, The Christie has been an ever-present force for good in my life,” said Lee. “The incredible staff perform daily miracles and I’m forever grateful. To express my thanks, I wanted to raise funds for this extraordinary facility. Today, I’m thriving under their care and cherishing every moment - and I’m proud to be able to talk about this at The Christie Christmas Concert.”
Nichola Doran, Community Development Manager at The Christie Charity said, “Our Christmas concert holds a special place in the festive season for so many people. We’re incredibly grateful to all the talented performers, our host Michelle, our guest speaker Lee and everyone involved in making this fundraising event possible. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas while supporting The Christie Charity’s mission.”
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.