Oracle’s Patron, best-selling author Sir Michael Morpurgo performed extracts from his “Carnival of the Animals” series of books and read “A Song of Gladness” accompanied by award-winning cellist Clare O'Connell. Michael is a former head and neck cancer patient and is dedicating to help raise awareness about head and neck cancer.

Former patients Laura Marston and Jon Coley read seasonal poems. Laura underwent major surgery for head and neck cancer which involved the removal of her tongue and has now made a full recovery. She is a global ambassador for younger patients affected by head and neck cancer with the “Young Tongues” support group. Jon Coley was marking his ten-year anniversary recovering from head and neck cancer after being treated by the team at The Blenheim Head and Neck Centre in Oxford. We were also delighted to welcome author Jeffrey Archer who shared his reading "The Son of God."

The audience joined for seasonal carols with the choir of St Paul's who also performed solos accompanied by the rousing organ.

All donations on the night were matched thanks to the generosity of the late Sir Adrian Swire so we can re-start our vital research programmes.