The cathedral choir brought beautiful music to the candlelit service, and readings were given by members of the congregation, including the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Neil McKittrick; Ruth Nightingale, a Kidney Research UK researcher; and kidney patient Ana Allen, who had a kidney transplant earlier this year.

Peterborough resident Ana’s kidney function had been declining slowly, then it suddenly plummeted.  Knowing dialysis or transplant was on the cards, she made some major changes to her life, downsizing her house and reducing her working hours.

“My partner Graham was tested and luckily was able to donate his kidney to me in February this year,” she said. “This meant I avoided dialysis, which I was dreading. I am so grateful for the chance I’ve been given and consider I am one of the lucky ones.”

Those at the service were able to thank and remember loved ones on the charity’s Tree of Light.

“This special service is an important moment in our calendar,” said Marc Stowell, director of communications and fundraising for Kidney Research UK. “We are very grateful to the Peterborough Cathedral team for helping us mark this special time of year, giving us the chance to reflect and then face our challenges with renewed energy.”