About Ilkley Candlelighters

Ilkley Candlelighters was formed by Rosemarie and Liz in 1982. The two sisters sadly lost a brother when they were children and, later in life, Rosemarie’s two-year-old son John was diagnosed with leukaemia. Initially, John responded well to treatment and went into remission but sadly the disease returned after one year and he passed away six months later.  

A group of friends and the two sisters came together initially to organise fundraising activities in an act of gratitude towards the staff who cared for John during his time at the Unit. They raised funds for Candlelighters to purchase equipment for the Children’s Cancer Unit, then at St James’s Hospital in Leeds and now at Leeds General Infirmary. Thus, Ilkley Candlelighters was created.  

After John’s death, the group continued to raise funds in his memory, inspired by the courage he showed whilst enduring often gruelling and painful treatment. Solely run by volunteers, Ilkley Candlelighters continue to raise funds to research into childhood cancer to this day.

Fundraising Efforts and Key Achievements  

Over the last 40 years, Ilkley Candlelighters have raised over £1 million for Candlelighters. By being entirely run by volunteers, they ensure that every pound raised can be dedicated to funding cancer research.  

Ilkley Candlelighters have organised many balls, auctions, and events over the years and they continue to organise collections to this day. Rosemarie and Liz have given their own money and the volunteers at Ilkley Candlelighters have given their time to hold unforgettable events such as the ‘So2You’ Fashion Show, an ‘Enchanted Evening’ and a Masquerade Ball. 

Ilkley Candlelighters’ Chair, Alison Clay, and members of the committee hand over a cheque to Marie Peacock, Candlelighters’ Head of Income Development. 
Jo Shepheard, Charity Director of Candlelighters accepts the cheque from Ilkley Candlelighters Chair, Alison Clay, and Treasurer, Denise Smith.
Jo Shepheard accepts the cheque from Ilkley Candlelighters’ Chair, Alison Clay, with committee members Denise Smith, Claire Parr and Sally Roulston.

Fundraising Event Highlights:  

Street Collection - June 2023

The Ilkley Candlelighters volunteers took to the streets to raise all-important donations.  

Ladies Golf Day - September 2021

The group putt their skills to the test, organising a fantastic ladies golf day fundraiser! 

SO2You Fashion Show - September 2019

Seventy guests attended Ilkley Rugby Club on Friday 27th September to enjoy an entertaining evening and shopping that raised over £1,300.  

An Enchanted Evening - May 2019

On Saturday 11th May 2019 a wonderful ball was held in Rudding Park Harrogate raising an incredible total of nearly £30,000. 

Masquerade Ball - May 2018

Ilkley Candlelighters held a wonderful ball at Rudding House on Saturday 12th May raising an amazing total of nearly £40,000 towards childhood cancer research.  

Classico Latino Evening - May 2017

The award-winning Classico Latino group were joined at the Ilkley Winter Gardens by the Ilkley Operatic Society to offer a wonderful display of music and colour.  

To the Moon and Back Ball - May 2017

Another fabulous ball was held at Rudding Park on 6th May 2017 raising an unbelievable total of over £50,000!  

Join the group 

The Ilkley Candlelighters are a welcoming group and would love to have new members join in their efforts. If you’d like to be involved or would like to find out more, contact the Ilkley Candlelighters Chair Alison Clay, at [email protected] or Prize Co-ordinator Sally Roulston, at [email protected]

Our stories

Collection Tin Amnesty
17-07-17Our stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
We are recalling all of our collection tins so we can gather the old pound coins from them before they go out of circulation! If you return your collection tin with the old pound coins in it, you can have a brand new empty one from us. This exchange means we can cash in all …
We need your vote
01-06-17Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
Leeds shopping centre The Core has shortlisted Candlelighters as one of its final three charities to be nominated as its charity of the year for 2017-2018. You can vote for us on their Facebook page until midnight on Sunday 4th June. Vote here

Your stories

When Josh met Toby
13-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On the 30th June, local boxer, Josh Warrington came to visit Candlelighters for the afternoon. Josh is the current WBC and has previously held the European, British and Commonwealth and English featherweight titles. The 26-year old was shown round the ward and spent time with children and families, including some patients in isolation. While doing …
The Three Peaks Poem
11-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On Sunday 2nd July, Allison Brown, Maria Stephenson and Maria’s fiance, Michael Frankland took part in The Three Peaks challenge to raise money for Candlelighters. Whilst resting at the top of the first peak, Whernside, Author Maria, decided to write a poem for her two-year-old niece Hannah (daughter of Allison and Joseph.) Hannah has Acute …
Candlelighters selected as The White Rosettes barbershop singers chosen charity!
05-07-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Candlelighters are delighted to have been selected as the chosen charity in 2017 by The White Rosettes in Leeds. They are an award-winning ladies barbershop chorus with over 70 members who meet every Wednesday in Leeds for rehearsals. The group are currently preparing to defend their European championship and to seek their 16th gold medal …
Family thank school after they raise over £5000
03-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
In November 2013, Gabrielle Alderson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of children’s cancer. After the diagnosis, Gaby herself, as well as family, friends and the school she attended, worked tirelessly to raise money to fund new treatments, research and raise awareness of the disease. After battling Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of children’s cancer, for …
Coast to Coast bike ride in aid of Candlelighters
29-06-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
Local supporter, Liz Adamson, recently cycled over 100 miles in four days to raise money for children’s cancer. On 9th June one of our local supporters, Liz, cycled from St Bees all the way to Whitby in just four days whilst raising over £200! She said she had always wanted to complete a Coast To Coast …
Chemo-Duck-A-Thon: Supporters to create patients’ toy outfits for an entire day
23-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Chemo ducks are given to a child diagnosed with cancer being treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital for play therapy and to support and educate children and their families during their diagnosis and treatment for cancer. One of the little extras Candlelighters covers is the cost of new outfits for chemo-ducks; as well as funding play …
Emily writes first book in memory of brother Thomas
05-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
An 11 year old supported by Candlelighters has written her first ever book in memory of her brother Thomas.   After encouragement from a Candlelighters-funded talking therapist, Emily Cammack, from Selby, created ‘Gentleman Sam’, a story about a dog which aims to help readers to identify and cope with feelings of loss. She collaborated with Penny …
York Duo Take On Tri Challenge
02-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Darren and Shaun, two friends from York, have now embarked on their epic tri challenge which includes kayaking, hiking and cycling, to raise funds for Candlelighters in memory of Nioni Grant. Today (2nd June) is DAY TWO of this massive challenge. Here is an update of how they are getting on… Day One – Involved …