SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, hosts an annual London Christmas Carol Concert for supporters. This year it was held at the stunning Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks and has already raised more than £200,000.
This annual event heralds, for many, the start of Christmas and was a wonderful experience for those who attended. The Military Wives Choir filled the space with their glorious singing, making the whole congregation feel festive and uplifted.
There were also readings from Falklands veterans, and former BBC Defence Correspondent, Caroline Wyatt and our National Chairman, Lieutenant General (retd) Sir Gary Coward KBE CB.
The audience included SSAFA President, Prince Michael of Kent, as well as senior military attendees. All were inspired by speeches from SSAFA beneficiary Aly Musthan and the Veterans in the Criminal Justice System (VCJS) caseworker Henrietta Malet.
The concert is organised by a volunteer committee, chaired by Lady Walmsley, who is also a SSAFA Trustee.
Lady Alex Walmsley said:
“In these challenging economic conditions, I am delighted and heartened that our sponsors and individual donors continue to be so generous and willing to help our serving personnel, veterans and military families.”