On 16th December, the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Choir held its 38th annual carol concert.
This year their heartfelt carol concert was held in aid of the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA), who provide lifesaving care to those who are critically ill or injured.
Held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, the concert saw the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Choir perform festive carols and hymns.
Featured throughout the evening were readings from key contacts close to NWAA, including Gemma, one of the charity’s doctors and Paul, a patient whose life was saved by the charity.
Paul Bradford, from West Kirby, was in a serious cycling accident in 2022, whilst training for the Iron Man World Championships. He suffered a traumatic brain injury as well as a fractured skull, broken ribs and a severely broken jaw.
He was only given a 10% chance of survival, but thanks to the lifesaving care of NWAA, Paul has recovered and this year, competed at the Iron Man World Championships in Hawaii.
He said: “I was delighted to be invited to the Cathedral for the NHS carol concert to represent the North West Air Ambulance Charity. This event is very close to my heart, as my family and I come to the concert every year.
“NWAA came into my life after I had a cycling accident and was given a 10% chance of survival, but they saved my life. I’m so grateful to the crew for everything they do.”
The funds raised at the carol concert are vital to the charity as they are totally reliant on support from the general public.
Rhianna McDermott, NWAA’s Regional Fundraiser for Merseyside said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Choir for choosing NWAA as their charity for this year’s carol concert. It’s been a wonderful evening and a brilliant way to bring everyone together.”
To find out more about the North West Air Ambulance Charity head to nwairambulance.org.uk