A FAMILY has called on people to support this year’s Spirit of Christmas event in Oxford.

The annual musical evening – in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign – is set to take place on Wednesday, December 16. In the past it has raised thousands of pounds for research into muscle-wasting conditions, as well as for support for the 70,000 people affected by them in the UK.

Among them is nine-year-old Lily Ilott, from Chipping Norton, who has spinal muscular atrophy.

She was diagnosed with the condition, which affects cells in her spinal cord and her ability to move, aged 18 months and uses a wheelchair.

Lily attended the 2013 Spirit of Christmas evening at Christ Church Cathedral, where she lit the first candle before passing the flame to other concert goers.

Her mother Jo Ilott said: “It has been a tough year for our family, Lily spent some time with her legs in casts to straighten them out, which meant she wasn’t able to do some of the things she loves like swimming.

“But being part of the Spirit of Christmas was a magical experience for us. We met people we would normally only see on TV, and the service was so heartfelt.

“It’s great to know Muscular Dystrophy UK is there for us, if we ever need support. And Lily loves everything about Christmas.”

Muscle-wasting conditions – which may be inherited – affect slightly more than one in every 1,000 people in the UK.

They cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasingly severe disability.

Some affect the heart and muscles vital for breathing, cutting lives short.

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support to people affected and their families and supports research into the conditions.

The charity’s development manager, Danielle Case, said: “Money raised from Spirit of Christmas will help to support families like the Ilotts.

“We want to make this year’s event the best Oxford has ever seen, so we really need the local community to get behind it.”

This year’s Spirit of Christmas will be held at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, with actress and producer Karen Lewis confirmed as the first guest.

Previous performers include Harry Enfield, Miranda Richardson, Gavin & Stacey’s Alison Steadman and actress Tamsin Greig .

This year the doors will open at 7pm, with the concert beginning at 7.30pm.

Tickets have now gone on sale and prices start from £15, with a £60 “gold” ticket including entry to a post-concert reception – with the chance to rub shoulders with the performers.