Firstly, I wanted to share with you the immense honour I had on Friday, 8th December, attending the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. This extraordinary event was attended by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside HRH Prince George, HRH Princess Charlotte, HRH Prince Louis, and other Members of the Royal Family. The service was supported by The Royal Foundation and served as a heartfelt acknowledgment of the selfless efforts of those who support children and families in communities across the UK. The evening was made truly unforgettable with breathtaking performances by Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Freya Ridings, James Bay, and inspiring readings by the Prince of Wales, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jimmy Broadbent. If that wasn’t enough, it all came with the backdrop of the exceptional voices of the Westminster Abbey choir! Be sure to catch it on Christmas Eve, airing on ITV at 7:45 pm…. It’s really not to be missed!

I can’t talk about 2023 without touching on the tremendous success of the Michael Josephson Charity Ball 2023, which has proudly become the first charity ball in the north west to raise over £1 million. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our headline sponsors, Knight Knox and Robertson Group. It was an evening filled with generosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Once again – thank you to all individuals, brands and charities involved.

It’s also been a busy one with work this year with some incredible business travels, including my participation in the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes from the 1st to the 5th of October. I stayed in the beautiful Carlton Cannes, a place that is very dear to my heart and consider one of the best hotels in the world.

And now…. Christmas! As we enter the festive season, one of my most favourite times of year, we think about cherishing moments with loved ones and reflecting on the spirit of giving and gratitude. It will be a busy one for Lindon and I, which we will follow with a well-deserved break in January in beautiful St Lucia – more of that in the next newsletter – stat tuned!

Finally, I am bursting with excitement to reveal the date for the Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball 2024 – mark your calendars for the 16th of November! I am already hard at work in planning this extraordinary event and am enthusiastic about the potential for even greater impact and generosity in the coming year..

Here’s to a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, love, and meaningful connections.