As we celebrate our 45th birthday this year, we’ve been talking to people with memories of Candlelighters through the years. Amy, now 38, from Wakefield, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1995, aged 12.

Amy particularly remembers some of the events and holidays provided by Candlelighters when she was on treatment, as well as some of the staff who cared for her.

Amy says, ‘Here I am with Casper the ghost at one of the parties hosted by Candlelighters at The Lawnswood in Adel. I remember Dr Lewis, the nurses Carol (I think), Neil (always our fave) and Martyn (the nutter!). My stomach always twists a bit looking at these pictures – it’s really strange but also reminds me how strong I am and how far I’ve come… also to make every moment matter! Some lovely memories of the amazing staff that cared for me (and my Mum), oh and one of the really good memories was going to stay in Bridlington at one of the lodges at South Cliff Caravan Park.’

Amy is now happily married with two beautiful step-daughters and the three of them have been involved in volunteering for Candlelighters, like at the Bunny Hop at Temple Newsam in 2018!

Do you have a memory of Candlelighters through the years you’d like to share? Share your memories and messages on our virtual ribbon wall, and donate to ensure we can be around to create memories for years to come too.