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…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 …
Stacy’s Story
22-07-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Stacy Procter lives in Leeds and, since 2017, has volunteered an incredible 135 hours of her time and raised over £22k for Candlelighters. In June 2023, she was shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. Stacy tells us her story. Stacy said, “I started volunteering for Candlelighters by helping at family …
Being there for families at the hospital
13-07-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
When a child diagnosed with cancer is admitted to hospital, it can be an incredibly tough time for them and their whole family. Because of the generosity of supporters like you, our Family Support Team are at the hospital six days a week to make this difficult time a little easier for families. They work …
Company of the Month… Quality Bearings Online!
22-06-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Quality Bearings Online! Quality Bearings Online began supporting us 2022, the same year they celebrated their 10-year anniversary. They kicked off their fundraising efforts with a member of their staff participating in Tough Mudder. Harry Shelborn completed the enduring mud run …
Company of the Month… Bettys York!
18-05-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Bettys York! The well-known institution, Bettys Café Tea Rooms, has a rich and fascinating history. Our journey with Bettys York began more recently in October 2022 when Candlelighters was nominated as Bettys York’s branch charity by a member of their kitchen …
Late Bradford Philanthropist’s kindness lives on with incredible gift to Candlelighters!
04-04-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Candlelighters is one of several charities to have been gifted a donation from Joyce Mary Mountain’s estate, following her death in 2005.  Joyce Mary Mountain ran the Bradford-based Victor Manufacturing Company – now one of the UK’s largest foodservice equipment manufacturers – which she co-founded with her husband. She continued to live in Bradford for …
Company of the Month… Walker Morris LLP!
09-03-23Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Walker Morris LLP! Last October, the Leeds-based legal company voted to support Candlelighters as their charity of the year for 2022-2023. In the first four months of the partnership, the team have got stuck in and have raised over £5,750 for Candlelighters. …
Company of the Month… Sentinel Squad!
17-02-23Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Sentinel Squad UK! Founded in 2013, Sentinel Squad UK is a Star Wars fandom group based in Yorkshire, which raises money for local children’s charities. Members of Sentinel Squad UK travel to different events and locations dressed as Star Wars characters, collecting …
Company of the Month… Absolute Warehouse Services!
06-01-23Our stories • Posted by Gill Davenport
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Absolute Warehouse Services! Absolute Warehouse have been supporting Candlelighters since 2018 and have donated an amazing £19,000 during that time. Most recently, they sponsored the Candlelighters Christmas Party for the second time by making a very generous donation of £5,500 and …

Your stories

Allen’s Story
30-01-23Your stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Allen Hart from Leeds became involved with Candlelighters after we supported his family throughout his daughter, Laura’s, diagnosis and treatment for Wilms Tumour. Laura sadly passed away in 2007 aged just three. Allen began fundraising before Laura died and has continued ever since, making him one of our longest-standing fundraisers.   It all began with Allen …