Candlelighters support children with cancer and their families across Yorkshire, through the toughest times of their lives.
Whether it’s emotional, practical, or financial support, we’re here to provide the right help at the right time. From easing the burden of treatment to creating special moments together, we stand beside families every step of the way.
You make this possible - our supporters, volunteers, and fundraisers. Whether you give your time, take on a challenge, or donate, you’re changing lives for children and families facing childhood cancer.
Matilda was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, aged just three.
From that moment our world seemed to stop spinning. We couldn’t believe that it was happening, it was always something that happens to other families not you. But that’s thing with cancer, it’s not your family, until it is.
Hannah, mum to Matilda
We first heard about Candlelighters on our first morning in hospital. Since then, we have received amazing support. From the Candlelighters Dinner Supervisor, Family Support Workers, Outreach Play Specialist, breaks to Centre Parcs, to visits to The Square, Candlelighters have had a profound effect on our family.
Hannah, mum to Matilda
Childhood cancer is a rollercoaster, it’s been so hard on Matilda, on her little body and her mental health. She's had more procedures than any normal adult would have in a whole lifetime and she just carries on, she’s such a force to be reckoned with. There is so much trauma that come with a cancer diagnosis not only for the child but for the whole family. I’ve said on so many occasions that the hospital is saving Matilda’s life, and Candlelighters are saving mine.
Hannah, mum to Matilda
In 2024...
Thanks to you, children and families affected by childhood cancer could access the help and support they needed...
281 families received financial support
“Financially, it had a massive impact; all of our household costs increased. Brandon spent seven weeks in hospital after diagnosis, and wouldn't eat the hospital food, so I had to buy his food and my own on top of that. And I still had to fund a full household of costs and bills to make sure Brandon's sisters were looked after. The Candlelighters grants helped with food and extra costs while we were in hospital."
Leah, Mum to Brandon
406 talking therapy appointments helped children and parents with their mental health
"I can’t put into words the difference Candlelighters talking therapy made. Some of those times early on in Harper’s treatment were very dark and having the space to express all those feelings, to talk and share what was going on in your head without judgement, it helped me so much."
Abi, Mum to Harper
77 families created loving memories on a Candlelighters holiday
"Our Candlelighters holiday to Centre Parcs was absolutely the break we needed as a family. It takes so much out of you as a family going back and forth to the hospital for treatment, so being given the opportunity to get a way for a few days - to just be a family, not think about cancer and let the kids just be kids - was amazing. It couldn’t have been more welcomed."
Hannah, Mum to Matilda
10,837 hours of support on the wards strengthened care for children
"So far, I have spent 216 days and 108 nights in hospital. Ryan (Family Support Worker) found out that I wanted to play the guitar, so he taught me. It made time pass more quickly and meant I had something to focus on, rather than worrying about the cancer. This has been the most important thing to me on my journey through cancer. It has got me through all those days and nights in hospital."
Sam, Patient
33 families stayed at our home away from home, the Candlelighters Cottage
“Finding out we could stay in the Candlelighters Cottage was huge, it felt like a weight being lifted and like we weren’t alone any more. I didn’t go home for five months, so that place became my home. I can’t explain how important it was for us.”
Katie, Mum to Arlo
21 families accessed our bereavement packages, which bring comfort during the most difficult time
"We now have a 'Cayde wall' with all his canvases on. I wear Cayde's fingerprints jewellery every day and I love that I have a piece of him with me at all times."
Susie, Mum to Cayde
Supportive care
2024 also marked the first year of our ground-breaking new research project, the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, which will save lives and reduce suffering for children.
"In Year 1...
We’ve launched clinical trials, published key research, and involved families at every step. We’re already seeing how focused supportive care can transform the cancer journey for children."
Professor Bob Phillips, Director of the Supportive Care Research Centre
Together we have made an incredible difference to children with cancer and their families. Every mile you've run, every pound you've raised or donated, and every hour you've given has brightened the lives of children and their families during the most difficult of times. Thank you so much. Read more about your impact in our impact reports.
How you help support families
Support in hospital
Our frontline team are there for families in hospital, helping bring comfort and fun to an environment that can be daunting for children and parents.
Support outside hospital
We know that leaving hospital can feel even more isolating for families. We provide community support, events and groups to reduce this isolation.
Whole family support
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected. That’s why we support the whole family, including siblings, giving them the help they need along their journey.
Bereavement support
For families that are sadly bereaved, we remain here for as long as they need, providing crucial emotional support.
Lifetime support
The challenges faced by families can last a lifetime. Whenever they need us, we’ll be here and knowing this brings comfort to uncertain times.
Research
Research is essential to improve the lives of children with cancer, now and in the future. We fund research that will benefit patients in many ways, from getting earlier diagnoses to improving care.
Together, we can be there for families facing childhood cancer. Along with our amazing supporters, fundraisers, and volunteers we can bring light and hope through vital support and research.
