We organised a candlelit carol concert attended by more than 250 people for our charity of the year, the Leukaemia and Intensive Chemotherapy fund (LINC).
More than 250 clients, friends and supporters of both organisations attended the festive event at the beautiful Cheltenham College chapel on Tuesday evening. The mayor and mayoress of Cheltenham were among the guests, as well as many individuals and local business representatives, patrons and former patients of the charity. Previous partners of the firm, Mark Hodgkinson and David Glass (managing partner from 1990 to 2006) also joined us.
LINC director, Dr Gill Rouse and Willans’ senior partner, Nick Cox opened the evening and guests sang a mixture of popular Christmas carols led by local choir, Severn’s Eight. LINC’s patron Dr PJ Crook, former College pupil and Willans’ lawyer Kate Hickey and Willans’ senior partner Nick Cox read seasonal poems.
Dr PJ Crook said:
“How wonderful that Willans, who support so many charities, have this year chosen LINC. This magical carol service, heralding the commencement of advent, was truly beautiful. The exquisite singing by Severn’s Eight, the contributions by members of Willans to the readings and the glorious carols in the enchanting setting of Cheltenham College chapel, combined to make a most memorable evening. All in aid of one of Gloucestershire’s favourite charities, LINC, founded by Dr Gill Rouse, who inspires us all.”
Guests enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies donated by Creed Foodservice in the college dining hall afterwards. They also decorated a Christmas tree, given by Dowdeswell Forestry, with stars which had messages to loved ones written on them. The tree will be displayed in our reception at Imperial Square for the remainder of the festive season. Thanks also to our magazine supporter of the evening, Cotswold Life.
Our managing partner, Bridget Redmond, commented:
“The evening was a great success and it raised around £1,800 for LINC. Cheltenham College chapel provided a beautiful setting for us to get together with clients, staff and friends of the firm and also supporters of LINC to mark the start of the festive season in a most enjoyable way.”
Dr Gill Rouse, director of LINC, said:
“LINC is an important local charity working to improve the care of cancer patients in Gloucestershire. It provides financial and psychological support for patients, their families and loved ones, from initial diagnosis, during their intensive chemotherapy and their continued treatment at LINC.
“We really appreciate Willans choosing us as their charity of the year and would like to thank them so much for all their hard work in organising such a wonderful concert.”
A leading Gloucestershire full service law firm which employ around 75 people, we have pledged our fundraising support to LINC this year.
