Last night our Patron Olivia Colman and Game of Thrones star, Nathalie Emmanuel joined Anthony Nolan at our annual Christmas Carols fundraiser at St Pancras Church, Euston.
Both stars gave a reading at the event. Olivia had the audience in hysterics by her choice of tongue-twister, ‘A Stairy Fory’ by Ronnie Barker. While Nathalie brought a little festive nostalgia by choosing to recite ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ by Dr Seuss.
Olivia Colman CBE said: “I was honoured to become Patron of Anthony Nolan last year. It’s an incredible charity, matching selfless stem cell donors with patients in desperate need of a transplant; saving three lives a day.
“Anthony Nolan and its supporters act as one big unit, tirelessly working towards the goal of finding a match on the register for everyone who needs one. But as a charity they need funds. Finding and recruiting potential lifesavers is not cheap, and that’s why I’m so happy to help out tonight. It’s been a lovely evening, a carol concert really puts you in the festive spirit, especially one in aid of such a worthy cause!”
Nathalie Emmanuel said: “I was delighted to be able to join Anthony Nolan for their annual Christmas carol fundraiser. Christmas is a time of joy for many, there are also many who will spend Christmas struggling with their own health, or being there for a loved one – due to blood cancer.
“It was so inspiring to hear from people this amazing, lifesaving, charity has supported. There are thousands of families out there that will be spending this Christmas with their loved ones, all due to the work of Anthony Nolan. What could be more precious than that?”
Also performing on the night were the B Positive gospel choir and Lockers Park School Chapel Choir. Lockers Park Choir has a very special connection to the night as pupil and singer Rupert, now aged 11, received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant in 2016. He and his classmates gave a perfect performance to get the audience into the festive spirit.