Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer.

When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why Candlelighters was formed more than 45 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Our Support

Emotional support

Living through and beyond childhood cancer is challenging and lonely. We offer emotional support - from talking therapy to support workers - to ease isolation and anxiety for children and families.

Practical support

Diagnosis brings practical challenges, like lengthy hospital stays, caring for siblings, and travelling for treatment. We help make things easier for families to manage by providing accommodation, advice, and support for all the family.

Financial support

Many parents need to give up work to care for their child, often putting strain on finances. We help reduce this strain with a package of financial grants, allowing them to keep their focus on their child.

Research

We fund vital childhood cancer research to ultimately improve survival rates and quality of life for young people diagnosed with cancer in the future.


1,137
People supported by Candlelighters in 2023
£ 1 m
committed into a five year cutting-edge research program.
3,793
Times we were there to provide a listening ear for families in need in 2023.

Our latest impact report shows how we bring light and hope during every stage of a childhood cancer journey.

Meet the Candlelighters team

Without a great team behind us, providing high-quality support to families would be impossible. Our staff care deeply about doing their best for families affected by childhood cancer and making a positive difference.

Want to make a difference to families affected by childhood cancer? 

Take a look at our current job opportunities to join our passionate and dedicated team on a mission to bring light and hope to children and families.

Get involved

We receive no government funding and rely on the kindness of people like you to give vital support and fund life-changing research. If you can donate, fundraise, volunteer or raise awareness, you can help support ordinary families facing extraordinary circumstances.