When did you start volunteering? 

I started volunteering in late March 2023.  

Why did you start volunteering with Candlelighters? 

I wanted to utilise my time to give back to an excellent cause that really betters the lives of individuals and families. It presented a wonderful opportunity to integrate myself into the West Yorkshire community, meet lovely new people and potentially make a positive difference.  

Which area of Candlelighters do you volunteer in and what do you do day to day? 

I am a Marketing Assistant in the Engagement team. I create social media posts to upload on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to raise awareness for upcoming fundraising events, discuss recent activities and thank supporters for their contributions.   

I construct emails in MailChimp to send to Candlelighters’ corporate clients and supporters within the community. Furthermore, I write press release articles for upcoming or recent activity by Candlelighters or their supporters. I love every minute! 

What has volunteering with Candlelighters done for you? 

It’s opened my eyes to the effects of childhood cancer and given me a deeper emotional insight into the necessity of assisting those who need it. It has shown me just how much peoples’ generosity can impact the lives of others and how, if we work and contribute together, we can support families affected by childhood cancer.  

What has your experience been like volunteering with Candlelighters? 

I simply cannot say a negative word about it. It’s one of the best things I have done. There is such a wonderful community feel in Candlelighters. The culture and the nature of peoples’ relationships makes your heart feel so full. If anyone is considering volunteering, I would tell them without hesitation to go for it!  

What do you do outside of volunteering? 

I am a student at the University of Leeds.  

Is there anything you would say to someone who wanted to start volunteering at Candlelighters? 

I would recommend it wholeheartedly. It would be hard to find a better use of your time than to help an excellent cause that benefits the lives of so many children and families. With the added bonus of making some wonderful new relationships with staff and fellow volunteers, the whole experience is beautiful. 

What’s the best thing about volunteering? 

I think feeling as though you’re able to indirectly support families effected by childhood cancer that are having such a difficult time is really uplifting. Not least of all, it has been a fabulous opportunity to build relationships with wonderful people who all share a common purpose, raising awareness for childhood cancer.  

Why do you think people should consider volunteering? 

If each person could contribute in some way, be it time, money or whatever you can offer, the world would be a better place. Those who need support could receive it and some suffering could be alleviated.  

Is there anything else you’d like to say about being a volunteer at Candlelighters? 

It’s one of the best things in my life right now. I look forward to it every week and leave with a full heart and a smile on my face. Candlelighters is truly amazing.  

If anyone is considering volunteering, I would tell them without hesitation to go for it!