If your child has cancer, a holiday is probably the last thing on your mind. But we know the importance of spending time together as a family and making happy memories when navigating a difficult and stressful time. We offer a fully-funded holiday to all families to help get some respite when it's most needed.
Each year over 100 families go on a fully-funded Candlelighters holiday. These holidays provide an essential emotional, mental, and physical break for patients and their families. They help improve overall wellbeing and create much-needed moments of fun and positivity.
Where can we go?
Families have the option of a few different locations for their holiday. These are:
- Center Parcs Whinfell Forest (Cumbria)
- Center Parcs Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire)
- Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay (North Yorkshire)
Who is it for?
Holidays are for the patient and their immediate support network. Cayton Bay is the only resort that can accommodate dogs, but this depends on the availability of dog-friendly caravans on your preferred dates.
How to book
All families will be sent a link to a holiday booking form in a new patient email from our family support team. Simply fill in the form to request a holiday and our team will be in touch to book your holiday. We'll try our best to accommodate your preferred dates but ultimately this will depend on availability at your chosen resort. Candlelighters will manage the booking directly with the resort but any additional activities must be booked with the resort by the family. Charges may apply for some activities. We provide each family with a £150 holiday grant to cover additional costs for activities, travel, or food.
"It takes so much out of you as a family going back and forth to the hospital for treatment. Being given the opportunity to get away for a few days to be a family, not think about cancer and let the kids just be kids was amazing and couldn't be more welcomed."
- Hannah, mum to Matilda
Our friendly family support team are on hand to help. Get in touch by phone or email.