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… Yorkshire Spa Retreat!
21-12-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Yorkshire Spa Retreat! We are delighted to announce that the fabulous Yorkshire Spa Retreat are our Company of the Month! Having joined Club Candlelighters last year and pledging to donate at least £5,000 per year for the next three years, the …
Yorkshire family of Amelie, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at two: “We didn’t know where we would be on Christmas Day”
23-11-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Shortly before Christmas 2022, Jo and Tom Adams, from Baildon, West Yorkshire, were given the worst news for a parent: their daughter, Amelie, had been diagnosed with cancer.  After a couple of trips to the doctors, suspected tonsilitis, and a visit to the local hospital, a nurse arranged for Amelie to have some blood tests. …
Company of the Month… Howard Civil Engineering!
21-11-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Howard Civil Engineering! This month we would like to celebrate Howard Civil Engineering as they have made some excellent fundraising efforts for Candlelighters and purchased new toys for the Play Room! In September, a courageous team from the company participated in …
Research centre launched to tackle life-threatening side-effects of childhood cancer treatments
09-11-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Across the UK, 2,418 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each year. Of all the children who unfortunately pass away, one in three die, not because of cancer but because of the side effects of treatment.  Although treatments are much more effective now, for children and young people, they are harsh and have terrible …
Company of the month… CHN Financial & Victoria Court Private Clients!
25-10-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is CHN Financial & Victoria Court Private Clients! CHN Financial & Victoria Court Private Clients chose Candlelighters as their Charity of the Year in November 2021 and started their fundraising early 2022. We are incredibly grateful that they chose to continue supporting …
Brandon’s Story
22-10-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Brandon from Cottingham had never needed to be in hospital, until early 2022. What was a suspected viral infection turned out to be acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Brandon’s mum Samantha tells us their story. Samantha, Brandon’s mum, said, “We’re a family of five – myself, my husband Chris, Brandon, Elliot and our dog Ringo. We’ve …
Company of the Month… FOD Mobility!
01-08-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is FOD Mobility! FOD Mobility Group voted for Candlelighters to be their Charity of the Year at the start of the year and since then, we have been so grateful for the excellent ways they’ve been involved in fundraising. Thanks to their …
Company of the Month…Caddick Group!
27-07-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Caddick Group! Caddick have been supporting our families since 2018, and in that time have raised over £100,000! This phenomenal amount has been raised through a huge variety of events, including at their annual ‘Moment In Time’ ball, a legendary event …

Your stories

Local student raises over £2,500 in brave swimming challenge for Candlelighters!
30-10-23Your stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Rebecca Haestier, Ilkley Grammar student wanted to help raised funds for Candlelighters by swimming 20 lengths with two broken legs which are in cages.  Courageous student Rebecca Haestier who is 14 years old, decided she would like to raise money in an epic swimming challenge to give back to Candlelighters to help children and their …
Halifax Family and friends to take on Manchester Half Marathon for two-year-old Gracie-Mae!
02-08-23Your stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
A 31-strong team of family and friends will complete the race in support of Gracie-Mae McHugh and Candlelighters.  The lives of Gracie-Mae and her family were turned upside down in February when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, aged just two. Parents Helen and Danny, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, first took Gracie to hospital …