Maggie’s Cambridge, which provides free cancer support and information, received an early Christmas present as the Ely Cathedral Festival of Carols, organised by local Freemasons, raised over £25,000.
The Cathedral was full to capacity for a wonderful evening of carols and readings, with Edmund Aldhouse leading the cathedral choirs, the Ely Imps and Prime Brass, joined by renowned composer and conductor John Rutter. Readings were delivered by Jeremy Sallis from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Deputy Lord Lieutenants Neil McKittrick and Richard Pemberton, John Attwater, Principal of Kings Ely School and senior Freemason David Blair.
The event was coordinated by local Freemasons who were on hand to assist throughout the event. Bill Dastur, head of Freemasonry in Cambridgeshire, thanked the Cathedral Dean, The Very Reverend Mark Bonney, and Chapter for their immense support and said: “The Cathedral and Maggies are our two charitable beneficiaries this year. We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, Rathbones, The One Group, Carter Jonas, G’s and Staploe Solicitors whose support was so important in ensuring the success of the evening.”
Lisa Punt, Centre Head at Maggie’s Cambridge, said: “I am delighted that we have had the support of you all here at Ely Cathedral. I know the effort that is put into organising events like this and I am so pleased that we can be part of this special event at this spectacular venue. Thank you to the Freemasons, the Cathedral and our staff and volunteers who are here this evening, for helping Maggie’s”
Notes to Editors
Photographs show: Conductor Edmund Aldhouse with choirs and brass band, the team of volunteers from Cambridgeshire Freemasons and Maggie’s Cambridge
About Cambridgeshire Freemasonry:
The Masonic Province of Cambridgeshire is relatively small, with Masonic Centres in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, March, Chatteris, Whittlesey and Wisbech. There are around 1500 Freemasons and 32 individual lodges. We pride ourselves on our friendliness and inclusivity, with members drawn from all walks of life and professional backgrounds. We welcome enquiries from anyone who is curious about our values and our history. More information is available on our website and enquiries should be directed to our Provincial Office in Cambridge via https://www.cambridgeshirefreemasons.org.uk/
About Maggie’s
- Maggie’s has 25 years of experience providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK.
- Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming, and run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer.
- Maggie's now has 24 centres in the UK and a growing international network.
- Maggie’s is funded by voluntary donations.
- Maggie’s President is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
For more information visit maggies.org
For further information about Maggie’s, please contact