Kathy takes on her 3rd Marathon!

Why are you running for Candlelighters? I am running the marathon to raise money and awareness for Candlelighters an amazing charity who have made a difference to our life's over the last 18 months and will continue to do so. I am ashamed to say that before Binky (Grace), was diagnosed in April 2017 I had no idea Candlelighters existed, I had no idea of the work they do and how incredible they are and how important they are in the life's of oncology families. Have you done a marathon before? London will be my 3rd marathon, I have completed the Yorkshire Marathon twice. What are you most excited about? Are you nervous? I'm excited and nervous at the same time to be heading to London, excited to be part of such a prestigious event, but also nervous as its huge!! Biggest running achievement... The finish line!!!! What is your favourite post-run snack? Post run snack.. Does a pint of lager count? What fundraising plans do you have? When I started running in 2015 It was because I fancied doing the Great North Run... I was laughed at... I'm not a runner and the wrong side of 40!! Anyway that made me more determined and that year I completed my first GNR, then the Yorkshire Marathon the year after!! I've always raised money for my runs, for various charities, but now I run for charities that have helped us. What top tips do you have for anyone else who wants to take on a long distance run? Yes it's hard work running all those miles but it's nothing in comparison to what our children go through during their treatment. I have a choice to run or not, our children have no choice and that's what I think about when it gets tough and various body parts start hurting, our children. So to answer the question, if I can do it anyone can. Kathy    

Our stories

Company of the month… The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant
06-02-25Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
We are so pleased to announce our latest Company of the Month is The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant Greek Street! This month we would like to celebrate The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant on Greek Street for their fantastic fundraising efforts for Candlelighters. Throughout November and December, The Alchemist ran a nationwide festive fundraising campaign across …
Combine your New Year resolution with fundraising!
28-01-25Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
We are urging people with a challenge event on their New Year wish list to consider combining their run, epic hike or obstacle course, with fund-raising for Candlelighters. To spur on participants, we have issued a list of our main physical challenge events for 2025 with many having an early bird discount of 50% on …
Celebrating the first year of our pioneering at-home chemotherapy service
21-12-24Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
This month we’re celebrating the successful first year of a pioneering at-home chemotherapy service for children funded by Candlelighters.  Throughout 2024, we funded a brand new NHS role, the Candlelighters’ Chemotherapy Project Nurse Specialist. The role will be funded by Candlelighters for two years to enable evidence to be built of the benefits of chemotherapy …
1 year on… The Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre
14-11-24Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
In the years since Candlelighters was formed, survival rates for children with cancer have greatly improved. But so far, little has been done to improve the experience of living through and beyond cancer. The side effects of treatment can be traumatic, permanent, and even deadly, not to mention the practical and emotional tolls families face. …
Candlelighters named children’s charity of the year!
08-11-24Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
In October, we were overjoyed when we were chosen as children’s charity of the year at the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards! The awards began in 2011 to recognise the region’s bravest and most courageous children and young adults as well as the charities that support them. For almost 50 years, Candlelighters has supported children and families across Yorkshire through childhood cancer. From the hospital wards, to …
Outreach play specialists – Play in Healthcare Week 2024 
22-10-24Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
Last week was Play in Healthcare Week! This is an awareness week showcasing the importance of providing play to children in hospitals. Our Outreach Play Specialists, Tracy and Rachel can continue this therapeutic play for children diagnosed with cancer within their own homes. Tracy says, “I feel very privileged to work with children, young people …
We’ve been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s Connect Yorkshire Awards!
08-10-24Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
We’re delighted to announce we’ve been shortlisted for the Community Impact Award at this year’s Connect Yorkshire Awards. Plus, our CEO Emily has also been individually recognised in the Inspirational Leader category! The Connect Yorkshire Business Awards take place annually and exist to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution made by businesses and non-profit organisations …
25 Years of Play
25-09-24Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
As a charity, we’re proud to be trailblazers in pushing for and funding new and better ways to make lives better for children with cancer. We’re especially proud of the commitment we’ve given to funding play for children. For over 25 years, we’ve funded additional play team roles in the children’s oncology department at Leeds …
Neil Shaw: Candlelighters Chemotherapy Project Nurse Specialist  
19-09-24Our stories • Posted by Chloe Vickers
For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this year, we want to highlight the difficulties faced by children who receive their treatment as an outpatient and their families. Whilst some children have to be hospitalised for much of their treatment, there are others who are able to return home and come back into hospital regularly for treatment. …

Your stories

Annual charity football match in memory of Peter Woodmansey raises over £3,400 for Candlelighters!
09-10-24Your stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
This year’s match has so far raised over £3,400, adding to the total raised which now exceeds £33,000! LasBootham Old Scholars took on Wiggington Grasshoppers under 19s in an exciting and close-fought match to raise funds for Candlelighters. The match was played in memory Peter Woodmansey, who sadly passed away aged just 17 in December …