During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, our fantastic Trustee, Julie, took on a 50km Challenge alongside NHS and Candlelighters colleagues and Trustees.
The challenge was about much more than reaching 50km. It was an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of Candlelighters’ history, taking a journey through Leeds and visiting key landmarks that shaped childhood cancer care and support services in the region.
Their journey began where Candlelighters’ did in 1976, at Seacroft Hospital. Formed by a group of parents and medical professionals who were determined to transform care and support for children and young people with cancer in Yorkshire.
From there, the group walked to the former Cookridge Hospital site, where radiotherapy services were delivered from the 1950s until 2007. Their journey then took them onto St James’ University Hospital, where inpatient and outpatient services came together in the 1990s, before they headed to Leeds General Infirmary, where young people have been receiving treatment since 2010.
50km later, they arrived at their final stopping point, Candlelighters’ family support centre, The Square, where they were greeted by Leeds Children’s Hospital colleagues, patients and families to celebrate their achievement.
Julie said: “50km, 11 hours, and countless memories made along the way, we did it!
As we walked through key locations in Leeds that have shaped the story of children’s cancer care, we reflected on the incredible 50-year journey of Candlelighters and the NHS working side by side to support children, young people and families across Yorkshire.
It was a day filled with friendship, laughter, nostalgia and reflection. We celebrated how far we’ve come as research, science and treatments have advanced, and how services and support have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of families.
The welcome waiting for us at the finish line captured perfectly why we do what we do.
Thank you to everyone who walked, cheered, supported and donated. Here’s to 50 years of making a difference, and to the families at the heart of everything we do.”
There’s no better way to celebrate 50 years of Candlelighters than medical staff, Candlelighters staff and Trustees walking side by side during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and helping to raise over £2,000 for families across Yorkshire affected by childhood cancer.
Thank you so much to Julie and everyone who joined her and supported her!
