The Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now held their annual Christmas carol concert at Gloucester Cathedral.
More than 500 supporters gathered under the golden limestone arches of the Norman nave at the heart of the cathedral to get into the Christmas spirit whilst also remembering those impacted by meningitis.
Brilliant festive performances from Rock Choir, Highnam Primary Academy and Chalford Band warmed the audience on a chilly evening, ready to join in with a range of classic carols.
An especially moving moment came when Jessica Vickery, who features in the charity’s Ribbon Appeal this year, spoke about losing her husband Josh to meningitis. As Jessica finished her address, the lights were dimmed, candles were lit amongst the audience, and everyone sang Silent Night.
The evening was expertly compared by Dominic Cotter from BBC Radio Gloucestershire, with Meningitis Now’s CEO Dr Tom Nutt offering his own reflections on the importance of gathering to honour those lost to meningitis, and to remind supporters of the charity’s dedication to seeing a future where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis.
The Meningitis Now Christmas tree of remembrance nestled resplendent between the cathedral’s Romanesque columns, hung with many white ribbons of remembrance of people who have sadly lost their lives to the terrible disease.
The Gloucester carol concert helps to raise vital funds for Meningitis Now and is an important event in the diaries of many of the families the charity supports. It was another splendid event for the much-loved local charity.
