Greg Wise Serves up Surprise Performance and Christmas Lunch at Marie Curie Hospice

Greg Wise Serves up Surprise Performance and Christmas Lunch at Marie Curie Hospice

• The Crown and Strictly Star Greg Wise surprised nurses and staff, alongside a local choir, singing a host of festive songs
• The performance took place during the hospice's first Christmas lunch since pre-pandemic
• To find out more about Marie Curie's crucial work and how to donate, visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

14th December 2022: UK's Leading end of life charity Marie Curie spread festive cheer with an emotional choir performance at one of its hospices for patients, nurses, and staff.

Actor, producer, and Strictly Come Dancing star, Greg Wise, led the performance from a choir, coinciding with the hospice's first Christmas lunch since pre-pandemic two years ago.

With a personal connection to Marie Curie after the charity supported him and his sister when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the ex-Strictly star was delighted to perform to the team at the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead, in addition to serving lunch alongside senior management.

The special visit included a host of carols and festive hits sung by The Big Gospel choir including Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, thanking nurses and staff for their hard work throughout the year.

As well as nurses and staff, the choir also performed to patients, including Gerry Finn, 56 from London. Gerry said: 'I've always loved a choir; I like the homely vibe'.

Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for those who are terminally ill, and their loved ones, with Marie Curie providing crucial support for individuals and families.

Greg Wise, Actor and Marie Curie Ambassador said: "It's always a pleasure to visit the Marie Curie hospice and spend time with their incredible staff. Marie Curie provides a community for people and, especially at this time of year, that's something that is truly invaluable. I am forever grateful for the support they gave me when I was looking after my sister. To be able to come to the Hampstead hospice alongside the fabulous choir and help bring some joy to the extraordinary nurses and staff who work so tirelessly throughout the year was wonderful."

Debbie Ripley, Associate Director of Services in London at Marie Curie said: "Our nurses and staff have gone above and beyond in providing care and support to people living with a terminal illness this year so it was lovely to surprise them. It also meant a lot to provide a special moment for our patients and hopefully create a lasting memory for their loved ones. Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are at the end of life, caring for someone who is terminally ill or coping with a bereavement. We would encourage anyone who may need support over Christmas and the New Year to reach out to Marie Curie."

Marie Curie's Information and Support line will be open over the festive period, to provide practical information as well as emotional support for anyone who needs it. Contact Marie Curie for free on 0800 0902309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online or to find out other ways the charity can support you.
To find out more about Marie Curie's work and how to donate, visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

ENDS

For more information, please email mariecurie@hopeandglorypr.com

Notes to Editors

Marie Curie – care and support through terminal illness - Marie Curie is the UK's leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance. Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.
For more information visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk
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Marie Curie Support Line 0800 090 2309*

Marie Curie trained Support Line Officers can provide practical information on everything from managing day-to-day with a terminal illness, to planning for end of life. Our support line can offer emotional support if someone needs a safe space to talk, or some guidance based on their situation. We have a dedicated bereavement service where callers will be paired with a volunteer, who can offer a listening ear and support over six sessions, as well as Check-in and Chat, a service that offers regular calls at a time that suits you. *Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Marie Curie Information and Support Line Christmas opening hours:

• 19 – 23 December (8am-6pm)
• 24 December (10am – 2pm)
• 25 December (10am – 2pm)
• 26 – 27 December (10am – 4pm)
• 28 – 30 December (8am – 6pm)
• 31 December (10am – 2pm)
• 01 January (10am – 2pm)
• 02 January (10am – 4pm)
• 03 January (8am – 6pm)