With Christmas just around the corner, mothers2mothers (m2m) got into the festive spirit with our inaugural Carols by Candlelight service. 

Taking place in the beautiful surrounds of St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, over 400 guests joined m2m Spokeswoman Nozi Samela and stars of stage and screen to hear the exquisite St Paul’s choir. The congregation were in fine voice too! Surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of flickering candles, they filled the church with hearty renditions of favourite carols. 

We were honoured to be joined on the night by m2m Patron Samantha Bond, who lead seasonal readings along with such luminaries as Imelda Staunton, Edward Fox, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy and Matt Barber.

Songs and smiles lit up the church, all while raising awareness for of m2m’s work. Nozi, who had travelled to the U.K from her home in South Africa, rounded the evening with a moving speech on her own personal journey with m2m.

Nozi worked as a Mentor Mother for five years, providing the same education and support she had received from m2m as a 19-year-old HIV-positive mother. She is now a key member of m2m’s Communications team – inspiring others with her story of hope and leading the way for the next generation of m2m Spokeswomen.

With the advent of Christmas upon us, Nozi asked the congregation to think about what lasting gift we can leave to all our children:

“I think no gift would come close to giving our children an HIV-free future. Let’s create a generation that will read about HIV and AIDS only in history books. An AIDS-free generation is possible; we just need to make it a reality.” 

Thanks to the incredible support of everyone who made our first Carols by Candlelight a success – including our guests, sponsors, and readers – we are even closer to making the dream of zero transmission a reality.

After a magical service, guests mingled in the courtyard of the church with mulled wine and mince pies generously supplied by Zafferano.

Our inaugural m2m Carols by Candlelight was a resounding success and a  fitting start to the Christmas season –  a time for reflecting and spreading good will.  In fact it was so successful that we already have a date for our next Carols by Candlelight service – Monday 3rd December 2018. Put it in your diaries!