A long serving supporter of Candlelighters
“We were thrilled that such a small effort on our part could raise such a big amount. I got the bug! I wanted to do more, raise more money and change more lives. So, it all began…” – Ken.
For the last five decades, supporters have helped to bring better facilities, and specialist support and care for children with cancer and their families during their hardest moments. Thanks to incredible supporters like Ken, families don’t have to face that journey alone – we can provide support to families from the point of diagnosis, for as long as is needed, and Candlelighters have been able to provide that vital support and comfort to families for the last 50 years.
“It all started way back in 1989, when I became steward, along with my wife of IDLE Working Men’s Club. One of our members had a child with cancer, we all felt helpless, but that is when my organising, fundraising self, got on board! I decided to organise a circular walk in fancy dress from the Club and back, only a few miles but we raised over a thousand pounds! We were thrilled that such a small effort on our part could raise such a big amount. I got the bug! I wanted to do more, raise more money and change more lives. So, it all began.”
Ken set about organising at least two events a year for Candlelighters for the next 15 years. There were race nights, game nights, sales in the local community, a 24-hour challenge up to the top of Ben Nevis and back to Bradford, sponsored walks in the Dales, a climb up Snowdown in fancy dress! They did a bed push from Idle to St James, then a reverse of that bed push back to Idle as a separate fundraiser. Walks from Bridlington along the sand to Hornsea, walks across the Humber Bridge, round reservoirs, Bolton Abbey, Esholt walk, even the London Marathon – the list goes on and on!
“Over the years, we raised over £42,000 towards the most amazing charity; Candlelighters. Raising funds to help shine light into the lives of the families of children with cancer in some of their darkest moments.”
The longstanding support of Ken and the Idle W.M.C is the kind of support that Candlelighters is built on, and means children today are still met with hope, comfort and support today. It’s difficult to quantify how much that support means, and the impact it can have on children with cancer and their families.
“Every penny raised was done so with the help of all my family, friends, and members of the club, each and every one of them dedicated so much of their time to making the events a success and I am eternally grateful to each of them for their hard work and support throughout.
I am now in my 90th year of life and continue to help support such a worthy cause, by sending donations, buying Christmas cards, and encouraging others to do all they can to help.”
“My final words are to you Candlelighters, for doing all you do, a massive thank you and congratulations for your 50th year, may you continue the excellent work way into the future.”
Thank you so much to Ken, and all those who have supported us alongside you over the years, for your fantastic continued support. As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped transform cancer care and experiences for children and families across Yorkshire and beyond.
