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.
Maddie was diagnosed with leukaemia in June 2018, aged just 5.
When Maddie was diagnosed, we felt that our world as a family had just stopped still, our hearts felt physically broken. The initial weeks and months throughout her treatment were tough, an emotional rollercoaster trying to process the devastating news.
Rachel, mum to Maddie
Candlelighters has & continue to support us as a family. From the support on the ward like the Dinner Supervisor making Maddie her favourite milkshakes when she struggled to eat, to wellbeing appointments, to providing us as a family with breaks away to make special memories together at the toughest time of our lives.
Rachel, mum to Maddie
Maddie rang her end of treatment bell in August 2020. Candlelighters continue to support us now, and we as a family will be forever grateful.
Rachel, mum to Maddie
In 2023...
Thanks to you, 1,137 people were supported through childhood cancer…
351 families received financial support
“Financially, it was tough. My husband couldn’t work and as I didn’t drive, he had to drive us to and from hospital. Paying for travel costs like petrol and parking made things hugely difficult for us. Without Candlelighters’ support during those few months, I’m not sure what we would have done.” - Georgia, mum to Albie
384 talking therapy appointments to support children and parent’s mental health
“The talking therapies were especially helpful as I felt very alone in the journey and that my friends and family didn’t understand what I was saying to them. They couldn’t relate to our situation, whereas in talking therapies it felt like I was understood without being told how to think or feel.” - Laura, mum to Oliver
175 families created loving memories on a Candlelighters holiday
“We will forever be grateful to Candlelighters for the holiday to Centre Parcs that we had funded when Rosie was on chemotherapy. The children still talk about it - it is such a wonderful memory during a difficult time, and truly provided our whole family with some respite.” - Helen, mum to Rosie
8 NHS oncology roles fully or partially funded, strengthening care for children
"Alfie built a trusted bond with Neil, especially when it came to accessing his port. This was always the most challenging part of treatment, but as he says himself, it was always better when Neil did it. Neil cares, not just about Alfie but all of us. I looked forward to Neil’s visits as I desperately relied upon him when I was having my bad days. He knew Alfie’s case inside out, he was present in the oncology meetings and above all he knows his stuff. He was able to listen and support in a way he knew I needed. - Sara, mum to Alfie
46 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
38 events at the hospital, giving children a much-needed escape
“The implications of living side by side with other families can’t be understated and has been one of the biggest challenges resulting from Joshua’s diagnosis. We would have lost our minds were it not for the Pavilion. A godsend.” - Helen, mum to Joshua
Supportive care
2023 also marked the launch of our ground-breaking new research project, the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, which will save lives and reduce suffering for children.
Reducing side effects
The centre focuses on reducing traumatic, life-threatening side effects of children's cancer treatment. Ralph was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma aged six. Ralph's mum Cleo says, “No one can prepare you for the side effects. At their worst, he couldn’t walk, he swelled up from steroids and screamed in agony. Ever since he was diagnosed, it seemed the doctors were more concerned about Ralph not surviving his treatment than they were about the cancer itself.”
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.
