Stars set to shine at Christ Church Cathedral (From Oxford Mail)

Stars set to shine at Christ Church Cathedral

5:43pm Friday 20th November 2009

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THE Spirit of Christmas is returning to Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral at a special fundraising event for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The evening of music, carols and readings is on Wednesday, December 2 at 7.45pm.

This year the event, hosted by actor and TV personality Matthew Kelly, will feature classical baritone singer Alexei Kalveks.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has held a series of Spirit of Christmas events at some of Britain’s most beautiful places of worship, and its first event in Oxford last year raised £6,000.

This year’s event features readings by actors Emily Bruni, Tracey Childs, Simon Williams and Lucy Fleming, and the choir from Oxford’s Dragon School.

Special guests will include Lord Mayor Mary Clarkson and Prof Dame Kay Davies, whose team at Oxford University has been prominent in the development of treatments to fight the muscle wasting disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affects one in 3,500 boys.

MDC spokesman Dominique Vincent said: “The evening is set to be even better than last year, with a host of stars giving readings throughout the night.

“All proceeds will go towards helping the 60,000 babies, children and adults with muscle disease in the UK.”

The first candle will be lit by Laura Merry, 21, from Worminghall, near Thame. Both she and her identical twin sister Judith suffer from muscular dystrophy. Laura and her sister are ambassadors for Trailblazers, a network of more than 100 young people who raise awareness of issues affecting young disabled people.

She said: “Being involved with Trailblazers means I get to campaign on things that matter to me and other young people.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Both sisters were familiar figures at Oxford’s Helen and Douglas House hospice, and now attend Douglas House, which provides respite care for young adults.

Tickets for the event range from £10 to £40 for platinum tickets, which include priority seating and a post concert Champagne reception and a chance to meet the guests.

Call 020 7803 4828 or visit christchurch@muscular-dystrophy.org

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