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 – “I started volunteering for Candlelighters by helping at family events, including the siblings groups and the bereaved mums groups. I was so nervous at my first group, but, from the moment I walked through the door, everyone was so welcoming – I was part of the Candlelighters family.“

“I’d help prepare the room, make drinks, and ensure the families had everything they needed to feel welcome and comfortable. I remember at one of the groups, I played with a patient’s younger sibling so their mum could have a cup of tea and get her hair done. She was so grateful, but I thought it was a privilege to be able to help. When families say thank you to me, I just wish I could bottle up the feeling.“

“At a family picnic I helped at last summer, I met a little boy who was on treatment. He was in a wheelchair and couldn’t walk very far, but still had lots of fun. At a patients group a year later, I saw the same little boy. He was doing so much better, and it was lovely to see him again.“

“Since 2018, I’ve also volunteered as a marshal at local challenge events. I felt so inspired by the Candlelighters runners, I thought maybe I could give it a go, too. I’d never run before, but having gotten to know the Candlelighters families so well through volunteering, I felt so motivated to raise money for them. In my first year of running, I completed the Leeds 10k, Great North Run and the Yorkshire Marathon for Candlelighters.“

“I’ve raised money in other ways too. For example, for the past few years, I’ve held a Candlelighters fundraising event for my birthday at my local church, with afternoon tea, a tombola, and raffle, with some prizes donated by my local community.“

“Candlelighters makes me who I am, and I am truly blessed to be part of the amazing Candlelighters family. The little time I offer is never about me – it’s about an amazing charity that supports families and children affected by childhood cancer and I will always do all that I can to keep the candle burning.“

Stacy has been a wonderful member of the Candlelighters team and we are so grateful for the time and effort she has committed.

“Stacy has all the qualities of a brilliant volunteer; she is reliable, committed, enthusiastic, empathetic, flexible, and fun! A lot of the support we provide for our families is only possible with the help of volunteers, so Stacy’s generosity with her free time has made a huge difference and I can’t thank her enough!” – Corinne Dicker, Volunteering Manager

“We are so lucky to have support from Stacy, and her passion for Candlelighters is clear to see. Stacy is a shining star in the Candlelighters family.” – Becki Marren, Senior Regional Fundraiser at Candlelighters