Children’s Cancer Charity Candlelighters Named Children’s Charity Of The Year

Earlier this month, the team at Candlelighters and the children and families the charity supports were overjoyed when the charity was chosen as children’s charity of the year at the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards. The awards began in 2011 to recognise the region’s bravest and most courageous children and young adults as well as the charities that support them.

For almost 50 years, Candlelighters have supported children and families across Yorkshire through childhood cancer. From the hospital wards, to at home support and financial aid, Candlelighters have helped thousands of children and families through some of the worst times imaginable for a family. They have also invested in better futures for children with cancer with their dedication to funding vital research focused on children’s cancer.

Emma Sutcliffe from Ilkley nominated Candlelighters for the award after receiving their support when her 17-year-old son was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the heart.

Emma shared the nomination she sent for Candlelighters “When you are suddenly and unexpectedly plunged into the realisation that your child is ill, seriously ill, you have no idea what to do. Then, gently but with reassurance, quietness, support, understanding and love you are wrapped up by the care, warmth and experience of Candlelighters staff and their service. It’s far more than a service, but I’m not sure how to explain it. What a blessing this charity is.

Candlelighters work tirelessly to give families like mine support, precious family experiences and moments when time is running out. Candlelighters family support centre, The Square, is the most wonderful environment on the doorstep of Leeds General Infirmary when the endless corridors and sterile rooms, noise and tension become frankly, all too much. The warmth of staff, the smiles, the giggles, the quiet rooms, therapy, and listening ears are perfectly balanced against helping with the reality of life at its worst. The events they provide, the words of wisdom coupled with the efforts they go to, to make dreams come true for children, teens and families is simply incredible. It’s so hard to say just how much they have done for our family from the beginning and ongoingly. They helped me find an inner strength and determination in those early days and brought light to our darkest times. I will be forever grateful and will continue to raise funds and awareness for the unique and wonderful service that they provide. I can’t think of a more deserving charity. It is time for them to shine for all that they do. It’s so special and so appreciated.”

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• Bethany Martin
• Eliott Gunn and Family
• Theo Jampson and Family
• Lola Pinder

A number of the children supported by and involved with the charity were also recognised at the awards:

12-year-old Elliot Gunn from Halifax won the Fantastic Fundraiser award. Elliot created his own fundraising team in 2019 dedicated to raising money for Candlelighters. His team has raised almost £30,000 for the charity.

7-year-old Theo Hampson of Hull, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last year was awarded the Sporting Superstar in the Under 10 category.

11-year-old Lola Pinder from Leeds who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma was awarded Sporting Superstar in the 11 to 18 age group.

16-year-old Bethany Martin from York who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia earlier this year was awarded the Beyond Bravery award for 13 to -18 year olds.

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters said “We are so incredibly proud to receive this award. The courage that children and their families show when they’re going through the most unimaginable times is so humbling. We are honoured that children and families place their trust in us to help them through childhood cancer, and we are so incredibly thankful for our supporters giving their time and money to enable us to provide support to families. This award is a recognition of the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters of Candlelighters who enable us to be there to hold the hands of countless children and families affected by childhood cancer.”