My Story

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially. Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity, Candlelighters, was formed more than 40 years ago. We understand the complexities and impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis, and our mission is to bring light and hope to families facing childhood cancer in Yorkshire. We aim to do this by:

• Providing emotional, practical and financial support to families. This includes the provision of expert support such as talking therapies, peer groups, wellbeing services, play support, holidays to create special family memories, day to day support on the wards, and a package of financial grants.
• Delivering our range of high-quality family support services for as long we are needed and wherever we are needed, from the point of diagnosis, during and after treatment, and for those families who are sadly bereaved. Candlelighters’ support can last a lifetime.
• Supporting and strengthening the NHS centre of excellence in Yorkshire by funding crucial, front-line hospital roles.
• Investing in vital research, education and training to improve the outcomes and lives of children and their families affected by childhood cancer both across Yorkshire and further afield.