Hymns to heartbeats: London Ambulance Charity Christmas carol service to raise money for defibs

As ambulance crews prepare for another tough winter, the London Ambulance Charity is spreading some comfort and joy with the announcement of its first Christmas carol service.

Together in Song will take place at the beautiful St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street on 16 December. Its renowned choir will lead the festive evening of sing-alongs, stories and seasonal treats.

The magical night of carols and candlelight will raise money to support the hard-working call handlers and ambulance crews at London Ambulance Service as well as funding life-saving defibrillators for communities across the capital.

Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “This is more than just a Christmas carol service; this is a call to the community.

“The incredible teams at London Ambulance Service never stop – they are there for you when you need them most. They dedicate their lives to helping others.

“This is a chance to show them some appreciation.”

Winter is the busiest and most challenging time of year for the NHS. With rising 999 calls, ambulance crews and call handlers are under intense pressure.

The London Ambulance Charity helps to relieve that pressure by funding wellbeing initiatives for staff and volunteers.

Improving cardiac arrest survival rates

Through its Heart Starters Campaign, the charity is also hoping to improve cardiac arrest survival rates in London.

Sadly fewer than one in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest.

Paramedic Sam Palfreyman-Jones said: “Communities can help us change this. If you learn how to give chest compressions and use a defibrillator, you could help us save a life in the minutes before an ambulance arrives.

“In some areas of London, finding a nearby defibrillator is impossible. But through our Heart Starters Campaign we are placing more defibrillators on more street corners and we know that will save lives.”

When someone is in cardiac arrest, chest compressions keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. A defibrillator can restore a heart’s normal rhythm.

Turning up the volume

Jessica Burgess, Head of the London Ambulance Charity, said: “We are asking for your help so we can help others.

“The charity is really turning up the volume with our first ever carol service and we want you to join us!

“As Christmas is the season for kindness, what could be more special than knowing your support could be giving someone the chance of life?”

This event is kindly sponsored by TORTUS, so every penny raised will go to the London Ambulance Charity.

📅 Event Details

🎵 Together in Song – A Christmas Carol Service
📍 St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London
🗓️ Tuesday, 16 December
🕕 6:30 PM, doors and refreshments from 6pm
🎟️ Tickets: Places limited so book here soon