Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales invites dedicated Evelina London colleagues to join the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service

Dedicated Evelina London staff who care for children and families were invited to attend a special Royal carol service at Westminster Abbey.

HRH The Princess of Wales, who has been a Patron of Evelina London Children’s Hospital since 2018, hosted her fifth 'Together at Christmas' carol service, focusing on the themes of love and togetherness.

Supported by the Royal Foundation, the service offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms – whether within families, through friendships, across communities or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers.

Ten members of staff from Evelina London, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, were nominated to attend the event in recognition of their significant contribution in caring for children and families.

• Leanna Brace, research nurse and early pregnancy specialist
• Martina Aquino, midwife
• Filomena Palma Gumpo, nurse
• Paul Flatley, assistant service manager in paediatric spinal surgery
• Barbara Morais, senior nursing assistant
• Hemanshoo Thakkar, consultant paediatric surgeon
• Dr Neelam Gupta, consultant neonatologist
• Lauren Jarrett, clinical nurse specialist in paediatric neurology
• Matthew Turner, child development worker in the community
• Mandy Wan, lead paediatric research pharmacist

Mandy Wan has worked at Evelina London for 15 years, and is the lead paediatric research pharmacist.

She said: “I was truly excited to attend the carol concert, and being nominated by my colleagues meant a great deal to me. Standing with others who support our communities was a true privilege, and I was honoured to be part of an event that was both meaningful and heartwarming.”

Paul Flatley has worked at Evelina London Children’s Hospital for 7 years, and is an assistant service manager in paediatric spinal surgery.

He said: “It was a privilege and pleasure to have been chosen, alongside some of my Evelina London colleagues to attend the Christmas carol concert. It was a truly wonderful and emotional evening to be surrounded by so many hardworking and dedicated people, and to hear about some of the amazing work being done around the country. It was also special to have our patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, and her family attend the service.”

Filomena Gumpo has been a staff nurse helping to care for children and their families with cardiac and respiratory needs at Royal Brompton Hospital since 2009.

She said: “I was surprised and honoured to be nominated to attend the Together at Christmas concert. The whole event was magical and was a true recognition of the love shown by everyone towards their community. I am thankful to HRH The Princess of Wales for the invitation as this was the highlight of my years working for the Trust.”

Gubby Ayida, Chief Executive at Evelina London, said: "We are very grateful to our Patron, The Princess of Wales, for inviting members of our staff to this special carol service. Our teams go above and beyond every day to provide exceptional care to our patients and families, so it’s wonderful to recognise their contribution during the festive period.”

It was filmed for broadcast and will air in the UK as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.