On the Wards

Supporting the wards and the Oncology and Haematology clinic is a big part of Candlelighters’ work. Some families may be in hospital for a significant amount of time and we want to make that difficult time a little easier.

We fund a number of roles to support families such as Play Leaders who can help to distract children during their stay and help them to understand more about their treatment.

Candlelighters also funds the role of possibly the world’s best ‘Dinner Lady’, Elaine. Whilst undergoing treatment, children’s taste buds and eating habits may be significantly altered. Elaine helps to encourage patients to eat, catering to individual needs and requests as well as being a friendly face on the wards to families.

These roles among many others are roles Candlelighters fund to make care and support for children fighting children’s cancer across Yorkshire some of the best in the country.

As well as funding roles we also invest heavily in equipment, such as play equipment and IT equipment to keep families connected to the outside world. We fund media workshops so children can get creative even if they are unable to get to school. Our support is there to make a really difficult time in the hospital that bit easier.

Recently we were proud to open the doors to the Candlelighters Pavilion, accessible from Ward L31, this is a space for children and families to use to get away from the clinical setting of the hospital yet still be within reach of expert medical care.  The Pavilion was a landmark investment for the charity and will offer  many families a sanctuary for many years to come.