Special Recognition For Our Fantastic Volunteer

Christina Wilson, a volunteer at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, was nominated by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset to attend a carol service at Westminster Abbey, titled ‘Together at Christmas’.

The carol service was hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales and dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd and to all those who are no longer with us. In attendance was His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, together with Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales.

The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster. The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers.

Christina has been a volunteer at Lewis-Manning for over 17 years and has held a variety of roles, including receptionist and supporting day care patients.

Reflecting on her experience

Christina said, “It was a truly memorable day at the Abbey. The service itself was very diverse and I felt so privileged to be there amongst the many members of the Royal family. There were also many famous faces to be spotted, including Hugh Bonneville and Kristin Scott Thomas, both of whom did readings, as well as singers such as Craig David and even Mel C from the Spice Girls who gave a very different rendition of Silent Night with Alfie Boe!”

“We all joined in with the traditional carols and there was a very special and emotional moment when a Ukrainian children’s choir sang ‘Away in a Manger.’

“It was bitterly cold (I had about five layers under my coat!) as we queued up outside but all that was forgotten once we entered the warmth and magical atmosphere of the Abbey!”