After Candlelighters launched their range of Virtual Gifts, we were surprised to hear that one of the first people to make their festive purchase from our online shop was from eight-year-old Sam Hunter from Batley.

After a chat with Sam’s mum, Corinne, it came to light that Sam had saved up all his pocket money, and spent £25 on buying virtual gifts. He bought a child’s Christmas dinner costing £5, arts and crafts for the children on the ward costing £5 and a massage for a parent costing £15.

Sam’s generosity was inspired by one of his friends, Joseph Mayman, who in October 2012 was diagnosed with a particularly rare form of cancer, Neuroblastoma. Joseph sadly relapsed in June 2016 and passed away in July 2017 after a four and a half year battle.

Candlelighters supported Joseph and his family throughout his cancer journey, so when Sam found an opportunity to give something back, he took it with open arms.

From everyone here at Candlelighters we would like to say a huge thank you to Sam for his immense kindness and generosity. At such a young age, donating £25 pocket money to buy families suffering with childhood cancer somethings to make life a little easier, is an amazing acheievment you should be incredibly proud of.

If you, like Sam, would like to purchase your own virtual gifts and give something to a family facing childhood cancer this Christmas, please visit our online shop.