We’re so proud to announce that our former Chair, Rev Stephen Redman, has been awarded an MBE!
Stephen received his MBE from The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle, in recognition of more than two decades of outstanding dedication to Candlelighters and to childhood cancer families across Yorkshire.
Stephen’s connection to Candlelighters began when his son, Rocky, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four. After sadly losing Rocky in 2001, aged seven, Stephen and his family threw themselves into fundraising to support other families.
In 2007, Stephen joined our Board of Trustees, and in 2014 he became Chair, a role he held for six years until 2020. And now, Stephen still dedicates his time through his role on our Family Support Committee.
Since 2007, when Candlelighters was still based over at St James’s Hospital, Stephen played a vital role in helping Candlelighters grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of families facing childhood cancer. His passion, empathy and vision have helped shape who we are today.
Stephen was instrumental in the development of several major projects at Candlelighters, including The Square, The Pavillion, and The Candlelighters Cottage – all now essential parts of the emotional and practical support we offer. These spaces have created new ways for us to be there for families during treatment, through bereavement, and beyond.
Stephen at the opening of The Square in 2015
But Stephen’s support didn’t stop at strategy, far from it. He led by example, regularly rolling up his sleeves and getting stuck in. From hosting charity recruitment days to hopping aboard the Candlelighters Bus to connect with families in their local communities, Stephen has been a constant source of energy and encouragement.
He even took a dunk in a bath of custard as part of Pink It Up – a moment that perfectly sums up his sense of fun and his total commitment to the cause!
Our Chief Exec, Emily, said “We are so proud that Stephen has been recognised with the MBE. His contribution to Candlelighters has been transformational, and his dedication has impacted hundreds of families across Yorkshire. We simply would not be the charity we are today without his leadership, compassion and unwavering belief in what we do. We are so proud that he has received this much-deserved recognition.”
Commenting on his MBE, Stephen said: “I needed to do something for Candlelighters because they were such a big help to me. I was, to use a Yorkshire phrase, gobsmacked when I learned of this honour. However, beyond my contribution, there is a huge team of community volunteers, specialists and board advisers who help to raise funds and deliver vital services at Candlelighters. This important charity continues to improve the support offered to children and families affected by cancer.”
Stephen, we are so grateful for everything you have done and continue to do, and we’re thrilled to see your dedication recognised in this very special way.
Congratulations, and thank you, from all of us at Candlelighters.
