‘Hi everyone, I’m Julie, Mum to Rhian and Keeley. 
Rhian was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) shortly after her 5th birthday in 2015. She completed her treatment in August 2017 and was clear of cancer for 20 months. She sadly relapsed in April 2019 and then during her treatment for this relapse, she relapsed again in June 2020, which resulted in Rhian needing a bone marrow transplant. Luckily Keeley, her twin sister, was a 100% match.

In July 2020 Keeley donated her bone marrow, which was then transfused into Rhian. The transplant has gone well and we have only recently been sent home from hospital, where Rhian was recovering from her transplant and radiotherapy treatment.

During all of Rhian’s treatment, Candlelighters have been there every step of the way. 

Candlelighters puts smiles on our children’s faces during very difficult times.  Some of the things Candlelighters has supported us with, are being there on the ward and bringing us anything we need (especially Elaine with her warm breakfasts and lemon slushies!!) Sitting with Rhian so I could get a shower or nip out for supplies. ??Shaved Rhian’s hair when it first started falling out. Center Parcs holidays, to escape for a few days from treatment and hospital. A Sibling Residential to support Keeley. Offering much-needed haircuts for me when I’ve been on the ward for long periods of time (pre-Covid).

Christmas parties, Halloween parties, a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a Mad Scientist event, an Under the Sea event, a Christmas Eve themed event and movie afternoon.

All these things take our minds off treatment for a bit and make the girls really happy! All of the Candlelighters staff are really friendly and always have time to have a chat and ask if there is anything we need.’
– Mum

It is crucial that this year we can give families like Julie’s the Christmas they deserve; providing emotional and financial support, gifts and virtual events

We can only do this with your help. If you can, please help us to support families this Christmas by visiting our website:
https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/christmas-2020/ 

Thank you, Candlelighters