A children’s book, launched last night, has been written to thrill and comfort children staying at the new Candlelighters Cottage, a home from home provision provided by the charity to enable families to be able to stay together when their child is an in-patient receiving treatment for cancer at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The book was written by local author Donna Iliffe-Pollard; she was inspired to write the story after hearing about the Cottage campaign and the difference it would make for families from last year’s Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Jane Dowson and her appeal committee member Cllr Ryan Stephenson.

Donna said, “This is a difficult time for siblings staying at the Cottage, a strange new place away from home at the same time as being really worried about their brother or sister. The story gives the Cottage a fun and magical feel that will enchant and surprise, as well as helping them to feel comfortable and safe.”

The call for an illustrator to bring the words to life was put out to students at the Leeds Arts University in July and Christina Little was the chosen artist, spending her summer break working on the images.

Marie Peacock, Head of Income Development told us, “We went to the University because we knew that the quality and approach would be second to none. We were delighted with all the entries but Christina’s really stood out to us. We knew her illustrations would be loved by children and we are really grateful for the time and effort Christina and Donna have both put into making the book happen.”

She continued, “The book will be available for children staying at the Cottage and will make a wonderful bedtime story. We also have copies available for sale online.”

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