Celebrity line-up announced for Newcastle fundraising concert

Famous soap stars and singers will appear at a special concert at St Nicholas Cathedral this December to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ concert, which will take place on Wednesday, December 17 at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle, will feature performances by ITVs David Leon, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall, international opera singer Sean Ruane, North East favourite Billy Mitchell and The Swing Bridge Singers from the North East. They will be joined by well-known Emmerdale actors Charlie Hardwick, Chelsea Halfpenny and Chris Chittel will re-unite as a family for one night only. Students from Newcastle College are helping to organise this year’s concert and will also be performing on the night. The popular event, which is sponsored by law firm Clarke Mairs - based on Hood Street in Newcastle city centre, will feature a range of carols and readings to celebrate Christmas, all in support of The Teenage Cancer Trust, the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of 13-24 year olds diagnosed with cancer. It will be produced by Ray Laidlaw who, as well as being one of the founding members of the North East band Lindisfarne, also produces the bi-annual Sunday for Sammy concert and a number of other productions. Ray Laidlaw said: “We’re delighted that so many well-known faces will be joining us for this year’s event. The concert has grown to become one of the key Christmas events on the North East calendar and there’s always a fantastic atmosphere on the night.” Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day.  The charity build specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them.   There are two of these specialists units right here in the north east. Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients at the end of their lives, young people can feel extremely isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer.  Being treated alongside others their own age can make a huge difference to their whole experience. Teenage Cancer Trust also educates young people and health professionals about cancer to ensure a swift diagnosis and referral to specialist support.  Cancer in young people is rare but we want young people to know the common signs and symptoms so they can seek medical advice if they are worried. Jonathan Wallis, the chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust North East Board and a partner at George F White, said: “This event is set to be our biggest and best concert yet, and we really appreciate the support of Clarke Mairs who have been with us from the beginning. We’re looking to develop further long term relationships with local businesses, so if any North East companies are looking to partner with a charity then we encourage them to get in touch.” Other companies wishing to get involved by way of sponsorship or buying VIP tickets can email [email protected] The event starts at 7pm and tickets cost £13 and are available through Newcastle City Hall and can be purchased via www.newcastlecityhall.org or by calling 0191 2778030. Clarke Mairs offers legal services to businesses and individuals nationwide with services including commercial property, insolvency, company and employment.  It also has a Private Client Services team.  For more information see www.clarkemairs.com For more updates follow @teenageCancerNE  and @clarkemairs