Cinnamon Trust Volunteers Represent Charity at Westminster Abbey

Two long serving volunteers from The Cinnamon Trust were chosen to represent the Cornwall based charity at The Princess of Wales’s fifth annual Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 5 December.

A Royal Invitation for a Cornwall Charity

The event followed a milestone year for The Cinnamon Trust, which received its first royal endorsement in early July when HRH The Duke of Gloucester accepted patronage after visiting the charity’s headquarters.
Patrick Williams, CEO of The Cinnamon Trust, said:
“We’re deeply honoured to be recognised and invited to such a special event. It’s incredibly touching to gift a ticket to two of our incredible volunteers who have quietly dedicated years of care and kindness to others.”

Honouring Years of Care

The charity selected two volunteers to attend the festive service.
Martin Reed, 77, from Essex, joined The Cinnamon Trust in 2005. He began with dog walking, giving talks and attending dog shows to raise awareness, later fostering five dogs who became part of his family.
“It was a magical night, and I feel deeply honoured to have been chosen to attend and represent the charity,” Martin shared.
Despite more than 20 years of dedication, Martin said he never expected recognition.
“I wasn’t sure why I was chosen to attend such an event,” he shared. “I have never sought reward or publicity. It has always been a privilege to be part of The Cinnamon Trust, and everything I’ve done has been for the welfare of the animals, not for me,” he added.

The Honourable Joanna Pease, 66, from Buckinghamshire, has also spent years supporting pet owners in her community. Currently a forever fosterer to Pudding and Crumble, Joanna registered with the charity in 2009 and has helped through dog walking for housebound owners, short term fostering, home checking and welcoming multiple pets into her home.
“Nine wonderful, much-loved pups, all different shapes, sizes, and personalities, have come through my home with the Trust,” Joanna reflected. “And there was even a cockatiel for three weeks! He was such a character.”

A Night to Remember at Westminster Abbey

Both volunteers joined more than 1,600 guests nominated by Lord Lieutenants and charities linked to members of the royal family. Westminster Abbey was decorated for the festive season, with lighting adding to the atmosphere. Joanna described the experience as unforgettable.
“What an amazing afternoon! The Abbey was decked out beautifully and the lighting added extra magic. Being in the same place as royalty and celebrities for such good reasons, as well as discovering one of my favourite groups – Fisherman’s Friends – were performing (they were marvellous) was a truly memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Who would have thought, when I started volunteering in 2009, such a day would come.”

Guests enjoyed well known carols performed by the Abbey Choir along with musical performances and readings by Hannah Waddingham, Dan Smith, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

On arrival, each person was invited to write their name on a coloured paper strip and add it to a garland wrapped around the Christmas tree. The growing chain symbolised togetherness and the small moments of connection shared throughout the evening.