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

Collection Tin Amnesty
17-07-17Our stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
We are recalling all of our collection tins so we can gather the old pound coins from them before they go out of circulation! If you return your collection tin with the old pound coins in it, you can have a brand new empty one from us. This exchange means we can cash in all …
We need your vote
01-06-17Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
Leeds shopping centre The Core has shortlisted Candlelighters as one of its final three charities to be nominated as its charity of the year for 2017-2018. You can vote for us on their Facebook page until midnight on Sunday 4th June. Vote here

Your stories

When Josh met Toby
13-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On the 30th June, local boxer, Josh Warrington came to visit Candlelighters for the afternoon. Josh is the current WBC and has previously held the European, British and Commonwealth and English featherweight titles. The 26-year old was shown round the ward and spent time with children and families, including some patients in isolation. While doing …
The Three Peaks Poem
11-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On Sunday 2nd July, Allison Brown, Maria Stephenson and Maria’s fiance, Michael Frankland took part in The Three Peaks challenge to raise money for Candlelighters. Whilst resting at the top of the first peak, Whernside, Author Maria, decided to write a poem for her two-year-old niece Hannah (daughter of Allison and Joseph.) Hannah has Acute …
Candlelighters selected as The White Rosettes barbershop singers chosen charity!
05-07-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Candlelighters are delighted to have been selected as the chosen charity in 2017 by The White Rosettes in Leeds. They are an award-winning ladies barbershop chorus with over 70 members who meet every Wednesday in Leeds for rehearsals. The group are currently preparing to defend their European championship and to seek their 16th gold medal …
Family thank school after they raise over £5000
03-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
In November 2013, Gabrielle Alderson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of children’s cancer. After the diagnosis, Gaby herself, as well as family, friends and the school she attended, worked tirelessly to raise money to fund new treatments, research and raise awareness of the disease. After battling Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of children’s cancer, for …
Coast to Coast bike ride in aid of Candlelighters
29-06-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
Local supporter, Liz Adamson, recently cycled over 100 miles in four days to raise money for children’s cancer. On 9th June one of our local supporters, Liz, cycled from St Bees all the way to Whitby in just four days whilst raising over £200! She said she had always wanted to complete a Coast To Coast …
Chemo-Duck-A-Thon: Supporters to create patients’ toy outfits for an entire day
23-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Chemo ducks are given to a child diagnosed with cancer being treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital for play therapy and to support and educate children and their families during their diagnosis and treatment for cancer. One of the little extras Candlelighters covers is the cost of new outfits for chemo-ducks; as well as funding play …
Emily writes first book in memory of brother Thomas
05-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
An 11 year old supported by Candlelighters has written her first ever book in memory of her brother Thomas.   After encouragement from a Candlelighters-funded talking therapist, Emily Cammack, from Selby, created ‘Gentleman Sam’, a story about a dog which aims to help readers to identify and cope with feelings of loss. She collaborated with Penny …
York Duo Take On Tri Challenge
02-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Darren and Shaun, two friends from York, have now embarked on their epic tri challenge which includes kayaking, hiking and cycling, to raise funds for Candlelighters in memory of Nioni Grant. Today (2nd June) is DAY TWO of this massive challenge. Here is an update of how they are getting on… Day One – Involved …