A CONCERT in York has helped people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas.
The Xmas Presence event was started three years ago by a group of friends and volunteers run by Ian Donaghy to help share the festive spirit with people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day and included a Christmas dinner for 60 older people, driven from door to door and welcomed by 17-strong brass band Jingle Brass at the University of York's Wentworth College, with the kitchen team headed by Andrew Wood, head chef at the university, and Andrew Battson, of the Pig & Pastry.
There were tears and happiness, singing and dancing, with donations from Sainsburys, JNJS classic soul, Boyes, M&K Butchers and all vegetables from Simon Baynes.
John Greenwood from York University said: "It's fantastic to see our team pulling together with the community.
"The event was truly international this year with 10 nations represented from Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Germany, China rolling their sleeves up."
Makiko Tato Brookes, who took these photographs, said: "It was a beautiful day. Generations together.Seeing all of their smiles made me so happy. I, as many others in the room, had a few tears too."
The guests were also treated to a carol singalong with Kieran White on piano and guest singers Jess Steel and Annie Donaghy, a quiz, dances and the Queen's speech piped through the speakers, followed by a huge raffle.
Ian said: "The work Charlotte Diaz who gave up her time from her HR consultancy work put in working closely with Age Uk York and Riccall Carers has been the key to the day's success. The hard yards they put in before the day made the event run like clockwork.A classic case of train hard fight easy.
"York is an amazing place that gets behind everything we do. Their support allows us to put smiles back where they belong. So many of our guests don't celebrate Christmas because their husbands and wives have died and they have no one to share it with. It's hard to pull crackers just you! Every street will have people in this situation. Why not say hello to your older neighbours, make an extra plate that would otherwise go in the bin and introduce yourself."
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