Emily Wragg is the CEO of Candlelighters and says: “Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults. Whereas many cancers in adults are influenced by risk factors or the natural ageing of the body, childhood cancers do not have a known cause. The types of cancers children get are often different to cancers in adults too. The most common types of cancers in children aged 0-14 years are leukaemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and lymphomas.

She continues: “The number of children who develop cancer is much lower than the number of adults who develop cancer, but still, four families every day in the UK will receive this heartbreaking news. Early diagnosis of childhood cancer can be crucial, and we want parents to feel confident they can spot the signs and symptoms.”

Emily emphasises that childhood cancer symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses and vary between children. The following symptoms are usually not cancer, but please visit your doctor if your child has any of these. Knowing these signs and symptoms can aid in early diagnosis.

• Continued, unexplained weight loss.
• Headaches, often with early morning vomiting.
• Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back or legs.
• Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.
• Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash.
• Constant, frequent, or persistent infections.
• A whitish colour behind the pupil.
• Nausea that persists, or vomiting without nausea.
• Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness.
• Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly or persist.
• Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin.

It is also important for families to know that childhood cancer symptoms often appear in clusters, are persistent, and can be progressive. While these traits do not automatically mean cancer, parents should trust their instincts and speak to a doctor if they are concerned.

Research is being done to better understand what causes cancer in children. Parents of children with cancer can sometimes feel like something they did, or didn’t do, caused their child’s cancer. But the causes of childhood cancers remain unknown, and there is no known way to prevent them; no one should feel blamed.

Emily concludes: “This year, on International Childhood Cancer Day, we’re reflecting on the challenges of childhood cancer, and celebrating how our shared efforts are creating real change around the world.

“Survival of childhood cancers in the UK has drastically increased since the 1970s. Now, 80% of children and young people diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least ten years. There is, however, much work still to be done to improve survival across different types of cancers and to make the process of living through and beyond treatment better for children.”

Learn more about spotting the early symptoms of childhood cancer, and treatments, by visiting https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/support-for-families/about-childrens-cancer/

CEO of Candlelighters, Emily Wragg, says, “World Cancer Day is an important time to gather and show our support for the children and their families affected by cancer. Every year, around 150 families across Yorkshire receive the terrible news that their child has cancer.”

“We are continually humbled working with so many brave children, parents, and grandparents.  We are also so thankful that the people of Yorkshire and across the UK donate and fundraise to ensure these children and their families receive the support they need to get through such difficult times.”

As part of our fiftieth year as a charity, we are particularly grateful to Rachel and Matt Greenwood, the parents of Isla, who sadly died from cancer. They agreed to take part in the video as a thank you to Candlelighters and to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer.

Isla Greenwood, from Wakefield, was just five years old when she was diagnosed in 2019 with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer in children.

The diagnosis had a terrible impact on Isla and her family, mum Rachel, dad Matt, and little brother Max, who was almost two at the time.

One Saturday morning, Isla’s parents noticed a lump on her side. They were sent to the children’s oncology department and received the devastating news that she had cancer. Mum, Rachel told us: “There were no symptoms, just this lump that appeared. It was a nightmare. Our world just got ripped apart, and you think life just isn’t fair.”

Isla began treatment, but the cancer continued to spread around her body. It was found in both lungs, her back, and the top of her leg. Her parents were told she’d never walk again. Isla then began to get headaches; she had a brain tumour as well, and at that time was told she’d only live two to three weeks. Rachel says “Despite everything Isla was going through, she was so resilient, whatever treatment they said she needed, she never moaned.”

From the time Isla was diagnosed, the family received support from Candlelighters. The team on the wards ensured that Isla had fun whenever she was in hospital, and Isla and her family attended many of the peer support groups run by the charity. Isla made many new friends through the groups run by Candlelighters. Rachel says “She was a fun, loving, amazing little girl.”

Isla defied the odds. Despite being told she wouldn’t walk again and would only live two to three weeks, she continued to walk and was able to make many precious memories with her family over the next 16 months.

A particularly special time for the family was a holiday to Center Parcs provided by Candlelighters. Rachel and Matt said: “We went swimming every day, did bike rides, we did everything. Whilst we were there, we didn’t think about it as much, all you were bothered about was having fun. The holiday meant everything. That’s all we’ve got now, those memories.”

In July 2022, Isla was sick and feeling more unwell. Her family took her to the hospital, where they were given the devastating news that Isla had three brain tumours. There was nothing more that could be done. Isla died from her cancer at the age of eight, less than three years after her diagnosis.

Candlelighters has been by the family’s side throughout their journey, helping them to create many happy memories and supporting them since Isla’s death. Rachel reflected on that support saying: “We now realise how lucky we were having Candlelighters. We’ve spoken to people from other hospitals who don’t have the support you do at Leeds.”

Rachel and Matt have taken part in a poignant video chronicling the diagnosis and treatment of Isla, and their gratitude for the services provided by Candlelighters. They hope the video will raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and spur people on to raise valuable funds for Candlelighters.  

You can watch the film here: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/world-cancer-day/

Emily Wragg says: “At Candlelighters, we provide comprehensive support for children with cancer and their families in Yorkshire, focusing on emotional, practical, and research-driven services. Our wide range of services includes a family support centre; providing “home-from-home” accommodation; offering financial grants; funding specialised research into supportive care, and bereavement support.”

She adds: “This World Cancer Day Candlelighters is raising awareness of childhood cancer and encouraging the public to consider donating towards, or fundraising for, families struggling with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children.  https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

For the second year, the charity is taking part in the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign – the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Donations made to Candlelighters via the Big Give website between these dates can be doubled – meaning twice the impact for families dealing with childhood cancer treatment. The £80,000 target will help Candlelighters fund the cost of their hospital support for families affected by childhood cancer throughout December and year-round.

Candlelighters CEO, Emily Wragg, says, “After the incredible success of last year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be joining the campaign again this year, as our 2025 Christmas appeal. In 2024, our amazing supporters helped us to raise £40,000, to fund festive activities, gifts, and magical moments for children with cancer and their families. This year, we’re aiming even higher, with a target of £80,000.”

Emily explains: “Big Give is a UK-based charity that runs match-funding campaigns to double donations for other charities. It connects the public, philanthropists, foundations, and companies, to charities like Candlelighters, matching public donations with funds from these larger partners, which doubles the impact of every contribution. This allows charities to raise more money for their causes and reach a wider audience.

“This year, thanks to the generosity of Reed Foundation, AllCall Group, Bright Blue Foods, Grantside, PJ Staffing, Stephen O’Brien, The NEDs, LGT Wealth Management and Weightmans, donations made to our Big Give Christmas Challenge can be doubled. We need £40,000 of donations during the Big Give Christmas Challenge week to activate the match funding pot and achieve our £80,000 target.”

Emily adds: “By donating to Candlelighters through the Big Give, supporters will give children in hospital vital support at Christmas and beyond. Donations will fund our front-line Family Support Workers who provide vital emotional care, festive joy, and critical help – lighting the way through families’ darkest times. The campaign runs up to midday Tuesday, December 9^th. It’s important to remember that only donations received via the Big Give website, during these dates, will be doubled. Visit  https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005wGMVYA2”

Case study.

Last Christmas, three-year-old Finn, and his parents, were one of many families supported by Candlelighters. 

Finn, from Harrogate, spent the festive period in hospital, part of a total of six months in hospital, largely in isolation, even from other children on the ward.

At the time, Tom and Dee, Finn’s parents, couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead for their family. They didn’t know that Finn would need 48 blood transfusions. Or that over Christmas, their son, would be receiving chemotherapy, followed by a bone marrow transplant.

Tom says: “I was excited because it was the first year when he was going to understand what Christmas is. That he’d know that Father Christmas is going to visit the house and put some presents under our Christmas tree. I grieved that loss – that he wasn’t going to get that experience.”

Kind donations to Candlelighters ensured Finn experienced the magic of Christmas despite him being unable to leave his hospital room. Generous contributions enabled festive activities, presents, visits from Santa and precious happy moments during a dark and isolating time.

 Dee says: “The bits we didn’t have any headspace for, Candlelighters came to our rescue. They arranged a visit from Santa, who spoke to us on the phone. He put his finger to the window, sending Finn some Christmas magic. And suddenly a present appeared under the covers of his bed. Finn was blown away.”

As well as creating special moments for Finn, the donations received by Candlelighters gave vital support to Dee and Tom. Dee found comfort in the Candlelighters family support workers during her long stay in isolation.

“They got to know us, and their visits helped me feel connected to the outside world, which otherwise felt pretty far away. That human connection makes the unbearable days bearable. Finn realised quickly that the people in the pink T-shirts were safe, they weren’t going to be doing a procedure on him, and he could have fun with them.”

This year, more children like Finn and their families need your help, and this year your donation goes even further. As part of the Big Give challenge, a £20 donation is worth £40 and could fund festive crafts and activities in hospital. A donation of £31.50 is worth £63 and could fund four hours of frontline support from Candlelighters’ family support workers during December. And a £55 donation is worth £110 and could fund five one-to-one sessions with a trained counsellor for a parent or child in hospital.

To contribute to The Big Give, visit: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005wGMVYA2

Candlelighters provided early commitment to opening the £1 million Supportive Care Research Centre, which looks at improving the care surrounding cancer treatment. It includes treating side effects, managing pain, and reducing infection.

The CSCRC, in partnership with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at The University of York, is led by Professor Bob Phillips. He is one of the world’s leading experts in childhood cancer research.

Bob is also a paediatric oncology consultant at Leeds Children’s Hospital. He says: “A startling statistic is that of all children who sadly die with cancer, one in three die not because of the cancer itself, but because of the side effects of their treatment. Worse still, research into reducing these side effects for children is under-resourced, sparse, and inadequate.”

“So, it’s important to have the right supportive care surrounding the treatment. Managing the side effects will mean children are less affected by their treatment, they’ll have fewer long-term impacts, and ultimately, they’ll be more likely to survive.”

One of the many activities undertaken by Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, is the Patient Family Involvement Research Groups, run at the Candlelighters family support centre in Leeds.

The purpose of the groups is for children and young people with cancer, and their families, to come along to discuss what research is important to them. Researchers speak to them about the studies they are planning, to get the thoughts and opinions of the children, young people, and parents, on how to make the studies better, and to help with communication about the results of these studies.

Commenting on the patient family involvement research groups, Professor Bob Phillips says: “These are really interactive and thoughtful sessions, which draw on the expertise and experience of childhood cancer patients and their parents. This work helps us to improve and prioritise the research work needed to improve supportive care for children and young people with cancer.”

Bob explains that the work of the groups has been recognised with awards and has also attracted international attention: “Researchers from around the world want to include the considerations from the group in their planned works. It’s highly unusual and very positive to have a group where patients and parents are so engaged.”

The centre has driven forward numerous studies and projects to improve the lives of children and young people with cancer over the last two years. Some of the research that has been progressed at the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre has been driven by what has come out of the patient family involvement research groups. These include separate funding of £700,000, led by Dr Jess Morgan, Deputy Director of the centre, to lead an ambulatory (at home) chemotherapy research programme for children and young people at Leeds Children’s Hospital and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.

In addition, the centre has contributed to the publication of new international guidelines increasing the range of foods children and young people can eat during treatment, to improve nutrition and mental wellbeing. It is also progressing work to standardise the treatment across the UK of mucositis, debilitating mouth blistering caused by chemotherapy, using highly effective red-light treatment to ease the effects.

Bob adds: “The value and influence of the patient groups continue to grow, and Candlelighters is asking people who’ve experienced childhood cancer, to come along and help understand what the experience of going through that is like, and how things can be improved.”

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters says: “More than 2,400 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year. Amazing progress has been made in understanding and treating childhood cancers. Today, around 80% of children or young people diagnosed with cancer will survive. This is an incredibly encouraging statistic, but despite advances in curative medicine, little has been done to improve the experience of living through and beyond cancer.

“Initial investment from Candlelighters enabled the opening of the groundbreaking Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre – the first dedicated centre in the world to focus on improving care for children with cancer. 

“Less than 5% of all cancer research is spent researching the care needs of cancer patients, especially young people, and how best to meet them. We are funding research that most others don’t, in this vital yet underfunded area of cancer care.”

Emily adds: “In only the first two years, the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre has made great strides by driving forward new research, forming academic partnerships, and enabling further studies in children’s supportive cancer care. We continue to seek funding to sustain this momentum and expand our impact, for the thousands of lives it will improve, save, and transform.”

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children and young people: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

Candlelighters CEO Emily Wragg comments: “We’re thrilled to have our work recognised by two independent award panels. We were one of 38 Yorkshire-based charities to have been nominated by members of the public for the Yorkshire Choice Awards. We’re absolutely delighted and grateful to the Awards panel for their choice of us as the winner.”

“We received the Charity Governance Award for our work in setting up Champs Pantry, a food service for families whose children are receiving hospital cancer treatment.”

“An unseen difficulty of hospital stays, for the parents of children with cancer, is the cost of food for parents, as the NHS only provides food for the child patients.”

She adds: “Even before the cost-of-living crisis, research found that families were spending an additional £600 a month on average due to their children’s illnesses, which could now be as much as £730 a month. With families facing increased financial strain, extra costs like travel, hospital parking and meals add to their burden. Our trustees saw an urgent need to address the issue in a sustainable way.

“In response, we decided to pilot Champ’s Pantry, a dedicated food service based in Candlelighters’ family support centre, The Square. The pantry is stocked with a range of healthy meals, snacks, and essential food items, all provided free of charge to the parents and siblings of children undergoing cancer treatment at Leeds Children’s Hospital.”

This initiative was carefully trialled and tested and – based on its initial success – Champ’s Pantry (named after the charity’s elephant mascot ) is now a fully established part of Candlelighters’ support services.

The Charity Governance Awards, now in their tenth year, recognise exceptional charity governance, while sharing exemplary work that inspires and informs boards and trustees across the country.

“We receive no government funding. We’re able to provide specialised services for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, as well as investing in life-changing research, because of the wonderful people, communities, and businesses that support Candlelighters. These awards are as much a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of children with cancer, and I can’t say thank you enough to everyone, thank you!”

Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly for the whole family. Candlelighters offers family support in many forms, from practical financial support for families and funded holidays, to talking therapies, wellbeing treatments and support groups for siblings.  

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters advises parents: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a type of eye cancer that can affect young children, particularly those under six. The cancer develops in the cells of the retina, which is the light-sensitive part of the eye. This cancer is rare, though around one child per week in the UK is diagnosed with the condition.

What’s encouraging is that retinoblastoma has one of the best survival rates of all childhood cancers. However, it’s important that parents are aware of the signs of the disease, and the need to have their child’s eyes checked urgently, to be on the safe side.

Emily adds: “Retinoblastoma is rare, and all of these symptoms can be caused by other things, but it’s always best to have your child’s eyes checked out by a GP or optician/optometrist in person as soon as possible.

Candlelighters say that the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust offer some useful advice on spotting the signs of retinoblastoma:

White eye or glow

You might see a white glow in the eye, when your child is in artificial light or a darkish room. Some people notice a white reflection in a photo where a flash has been used. This is sometimes described as a ‘cat’s eye’, or a white pupil. This may only be seen once but in some cases it’s present all the time. The medical term for this white eye reflex or reflection is leukocoria.

Change in iris colour

The iris – the coloured part of the eye – can change colour in one eye, sometimes only in one area.

No red eye

In a photo where one eye has “red eye” (which is normal), the other eye may look black. This can be a sign that something is not right.

Deterioration in sight

Your child’s vision may begin to deteriorate, or they may have had poor vision from birth. You may notice that they don’t focus, fix and follow as well as other children of the same age.

Squint, or turn in the eye

A squint, where the eyes do not look in the same direction, can sometimes be a symptom of retinoblastoma. In most cases, it’s nothing serious, but all children should be checked out just in case.

Red, sore or swollen eye

Your child’s eye may become very red and inflamed for no obvious reason – and with no sign of infection. This symptom is usually accompanied by one or more of the other signs described here.

Even if you have spoken to a health professional on the phone, or video call, it’s very important that your child is seen in person, as the healthcare professional will need to examine their eyes carefully. This will be done by carrying out a fundal ‘red’ reflex test, which involves shining a light directly into the eyes. This is not possible on a video call.

Emily explains that Candlelighters offers support to families affected by childhood cancer, in many ways. They provide practical and financial support for families, funded holidays, talking therapies, wellbeing treatments and support groups for siblings.  

Harvey’s Story

When Harvey was two, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. His parents, Jill and Ben, had already separated and were co-parenting him and his older brother, Harry. His diagnosis turned the whole family’s world upside down.

Jill says: “It was August 2022 when we got the retinoblastoma diagnosis, Harvey was two. He was coming from the living room into the kitchen and the light caught his eye. The only way I can describe it is it looked gold.

“There’s such a lack of awareness around retinoblastoma that we initially struggled to get an appointment, we were offered one six weeks away. But when we sent in a photo, everything started to move quickly.

“From that point, we were sent to Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, which is one of the two hospitals in the country that are specialists in retinoblastoma, as it’s such a rare form of cancer. And within a month, Harvey had chemotherapy for the first time. The staff at the hospital were unbelievable.

“Even though we weren’t treated here in Yorkshire, we found out about Candlelighters whilst we were in hospital. Someone from the Candlelighters team called me and it was immediately just so nice to speak to someone who understood. There was no ‘I’m so sorry’, no ‘silver linings’ and no promises things were going to be fine. One of the first things they asked was ‘how is Harvey’s brother Harry?’, which meant everything to us.

“Brother Harry was the focus of a lot of what we spoke about with Candlelighters. He got left out of so much, because the attention had to be on Harvey. We made such a conscious effort and our families were amazing, but it was really difficult.

“It was even more confusing for Harry, because we had separated not too long before the diagnosis, so he struggled to understand why Mummy and Daddy were both taking Harvey to all these places and not him.”

Jill concludes: “What we’ve been through has been physically and emotionally draining. Having Candlelighters to talk all of this through with, and get their experience and advice, made a real difference.”

Jill and Ben are passionate about raising funds, and awareness, for retinoblastoma.

To find out more about the work Candlelighters does and to support their work, visit their website at www.candlelighters.org.uk

Candlelighters CEO Emily Wragg says: “While all the assistance offered by Candlelighters is accessible to families with a child affected by cancer (from support groups to respite holidays), some of our services are particularly relevant to teenagers.”

She explains: “Around 2,300 young people – who are already juggling the unique challenges that this age brings – are diagnosed with cancer each year and have to face the huge impact of its treatment.”

“Candlelighters employs a Youth Activity Coordinator who works on the teenage ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital, ensuring young people aged 13-19 can take part in fun, engaging activities that support their mental and emotional wellbeing, and help them make connections with others on the same journey.”

“We also offer talking therapies for young people, with our specialist therapists, who help teenagers to express and understand their feelings, and develop coping strategies to move forwards.”

Emily continues: “In addition to our support services, we also put on family events throughout the year. For young people, this can be a chance to meet others their age, share experiences, build friendships, and create positive memories outside of treatment.

Emily explains that life as a teenager should be full of possibilities, milestones and new beginnings. But, when faced with a cancer diagnosis during these years, everything changes. Suddenly, life is about hospital visits and treatments.

She says: “Teenagers’ education can be interrupted by cancer treatment. Hospital stays,  medication, side effects and fatigue make attending school, college or University difficult. Many struggle to keep up with coursework, miss exams, or have to delay their education altogether.”

“Cancer treatment also affects body image. Changes such as hair loss, weight fluctuations and scarring can affect confidence and self-esteem, especially for teenagers who are still figuring out their own identity.” 

“Relationships and friendships can also be affected by long hospital stays. Many young people feel isolated, struggle with their confidence or find that their relationships change because of cancer and its treatment.”

“Consequently”, says Emily, “cancer treatment can also affect teenagers’ mental health.   Concerns about education, body image, and relationships, along with uncertainty about the future, can bring stress and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Candlelighters is here to help.”

Alisha’s story

Alisha was diagnosed with cancer when she was 12 years old. She spent two years receiving treatment at Leeds Children’s Hospital including surgery, radiotherapy and seven different types of chemotherapy.

Alisha says: “When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, everything changed. I had two years of treatments and procedures and spent most days in hospital. It affected my mental health a lot, I felt very depressed. It was not a normal start to my teenage years. I spent so much time in hospital that I didn’t have many conversations with my friends, and any time we did speak it was about the cancer and the treatment. It felt like I only really spoke to the doctors.”

“I think Teenage and Young Cancer Awareness Month is so important. There are so many people out there who just don’t understand the impact cancer has.”

“Organisations like Candlelighters, and others taking part in Teenage and Young Cancer Awareness Month, make such a big difference. There’s so many children and young people experiencing cancer and a lot of us would be lost without these charities – I don’t think we would have survived without Candlelighters.”

“They’ve helped me in a lot of ways, both during the cancer stages and now that I’m in remission. On the wards, they gave me hope. Even when I was at my worst and most depressed, they never gave up on me. If I hadn’t had them through treatment, I’d have been in a lot worse state.”

In addition to the support services offered by Candlelighters, Alisha also benefitted from the family events organised by the charity. 

Lisa, Alisha’s mum explains: “The Candlelighters Fun Days are really special – like Sherburn Aero Day. Alisha had been struggling a lot and hadn’t really left her bedroom, she didn’t want to come but I persuaded her. She ended up going up in a plane for the first time and rode in sports cars – I have never seen her smile so much! It really was a point where she started coming out of her shell again and going out more.”

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children and teenagers:  https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/tyac-awareness-month/

Josh’s dad, Gavin Faulkner, says: “In August 2023, our lives were forever altered when Joshua, at the tender age of 11, received the devastating diagnosis of cancer. His aggressive lymphoma required intensive chemotherapy treatment and a four-month stay in Leeds General Infirmary. He was a patient of the Children and Teenage Haematology and Oncology team, who diagnose and treat patients with cancer and serious blood disorders from across the Yorkshire region. They manage all types of disease from the common to the rarest and have access to cutting-edge treatments and a comprehensive range of clinical trials.”

Gavin explains: “Alongside the excellent medical care Josh received, we’re also very grateful for the practical and emotional support our entire family received from Candlelighters. Josh is recovering, and in an effort to channel our energy and give back, we, friends, and family, established ‘Team Josh’ and dedicated ourselves to raising funds for Candlelighters. This money will assist the 150 families who, like us, are embarking on this arduous journey each year.”

He adds: “Through a series of social events, raffles, bake sales, race nights, and a 1,000-hole golf challenge, we have managed to raise £36,000. We also have plans for another event in 2025 to continue our support for this worthy cause.”

Tom Robertshaw, Head of Fundraising at Candlelighters explains: “Candlelighters exists to support children and young people affected by cancer and their families from all over Yorkshire. We offer family support in many forms, from practical financial help for families and funded holidays, to talking therapies, wellbeing treatments and support groups for siblings.”

“Whether it’s supporting patients on the wards in Leeds Children’s Hospital, or funding essential research to improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, the assistance offered by Candlelighters relies on fundraising.”  

Tom continues, “Team Josh have raised an incredible amount for Candlelighters and the other families that we support. Their determination and positivity is an inspiration to us all – they have used one of the biggest challenges anyone could face as a reason to help others and make a difference.”

He adds: “Our fundraisers are driven by different motivations. Some people have children in their family affected by cancer. Some people know others who have benefited from Candlelighters’ support. Others regard our cause as worth supporting and want to contribute. No matter what or why, all fundraising efforts are very welcome. Every pound raised counts towards our valuable work.”

Josh and Candlelighters have been recognised this year with nominations at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. Josh has been nominated for the Local Fundraiser of the Year and Inspirational Individual of the Year awards, and Candlelighters have been nominated for the Charitable Excellence Award. You can vote for Josh and Candlelighters up to the 7^th March on the Yorkshire Choice Awards website: VOTE HERE | The Yorkshire Choice Awards

Support for Candlelighters comes in many forms, including personal donations, regular gifts, community and individual fundraising. There are also 30 fundraising groups like Josh’s across Yorkshire who work closely with Candlelighters to raise funds for children with cancer.

Tom Robertshaw says: “Candlelighters supports children and families from all over Yorkshire. With Team Josh in mind, we’re issuing a call to action to individuals, community groups and businesses of all sizes to lend their weight to fundraising for us. Each year, in Yorkshire alone, over 150 children are diagnosed with some form of cancer and we’re here to provide the support they need.”

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

Supportive care is an emerging area of research which looks at improving the care surrounding cancer treatment, rather than finding cures. It includes treating side effects, managing pain and reducing infection. Initial investment from Candlelighters enabled the opening of the groundbreaking centre – the first to focus on improving care for children with cancer. The CSCRC is led by Professor Bob Phillips, one of the world’s leading experts in childhood cancer research.

Almost 400,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year, including over 2,400 children and teenagers. An often-overlooked issue is the impact of treatment and management of side effects which can be debilitating and, at times, deadly.

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters says: “Amazing progress has been made in understanding and treating childhood cancers. Today, around 80% of children or young people diagnosed with cancer will survive.

“This is an incredibly encouraging statistic, but despite advances in curative medicine, little has been done to improve the experience of living through and beyond cancer. Children and young people often receive cancer treatments designed for adults and the impact on their smaller bodies can be severe. They suffer horrible side effects which can be traumatic, permanent, and even deadly.”

Emily explains that of all children who sadly die with cancer, one in three die not because of the cancer itself, but because of the side effects of their treatment. Worse still, research into reducing these side effects for children is under-resourced, sparse, and inadequate.

She adds: “A significant part of the first year’s work for the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre has been on the physical side effects of cancer, including the prevention of mucositis – the ulcerated mouth, sore stomach and diarrhoea that can happen after cancer treatment.”

Professor Bob Phillips explains: “Mucositis is a side effect that’s not well known about. It’s when chemotherapy or radiotherapy causes ulcers, anywhere in the guts, from the mouth down to the bottom. It can be extremely painful, so much that children can’t eat or drink, and need to be in hospital, on strong painkillers and intravenous fluids. Young people who have this tell us it’s extremely distressing as it chains them to the hospital and makes even communicating difficult.”

Bob adds: “There are things we can do to reduce the chance of this happening or try to make it heal better, using ‘photobiomodulation’ or PBM.

“This is a light therapy which can prevent or treat ulcers and is mainly used in the mouth and throat area.  We’re working with The Leeds Dental Institute to help more children access this therapy at hospitals around the country. We’re also looking to develop more techniques to use this in other areas of the body affected by ulcers.”

Jorden’s story.

Jorden Slack, a childhood cancer survivor, now 34, was diagnosed with rare acute promyelocytic leukaemia, aged 11. She endured a gruelling six rounds of chemotherapy, across more than six months in hospital.

Jorden says: “For me, a big impact of the chemotherapy was the mouth ulcers – it’s not just a single ulcer, it’s an entire mouth of ulcers, from your mouth down your throat and digestive system. The treatment makes you prolifically sick, which then aggravates the ulcers that you’re trying to heal. You get all these cravings for food, but you can’t physically eat. It’s a horrendous cycle and it’s miserable.”

Commenting on the research work on mucositis, Jorden says: “The chemotherapy treatment is hard enough as it is, without then having that extra pain and discomfort on top. If there’s a way to make children a bit more comfortable during a scary, horrible time, that’s what we need to do. And for parents to not have to see their child so poorly is a bonus; I couldn’t communicate at points because I was that poorly with the side effects.”

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

To spur on participants, they have issued a list of their main physical challenge events for 2025, many of which have an early bird discount of 50% on the price of participants’ tickets. More details are available on https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/products/events/.

Tom Robertshaw, Head of Fundraising at Candlelighters says: “In January, people naturally focus on what they’d like to achieve in the New Year. For lots of people, this often includes a physical challenge they’d like to set themselves.

“We’re reminding everyone that alongside the pride of fulfilling a challenge, they can also raise valuable funds for Candlelighters, an important children’s cancer charity.  And, between now and March 1^st, we’re offering an early bird ticket discount for many of our fundraising events. We simply ask that participants commit to raising a minimum amount for Candlelighters. This varies by event and starts with £100, up to £400 for some events.”

There is a wide choice of activities, from some of the largest and most challenging running events in the region, to thrilling obstacle courses. Participants can take on the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the Total or Junior Warrior obstacle courses in Leeds, or the Great North Run in Newcastle. No matter the age or skill level, there is an event for everyone.

Tom explains: “Candlelighters provide vital emotional, practical and financial support for children and families faced with a childhood cancer diagnosis, across the Yorkshire region.”

He adds: “Candlelighters receive no government funding. We are able to provide a huge range of support to children and their families because of the people, communities and businesses that fundraise for, or donate to, the charity.

“Whether it’s supporting patients on the wards in Leeds Children’s Hospital, or funding essential research to improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, the assistance offered by Candlelighters relies on fundraising.”

Candlelighters has published a list of their 2025 fundraising events, with more to be added soon.

• Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon | Sunday 11th May 2025 | £25 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £50.

• Leeds Half Marathon | Sunday 11th May 2025 | £15 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £30.
• New event: Leeds Mini & Junior Run | Sunday 15^th June 2025.
• Leeds 10k | Sunday 15^th June 2025 | £11 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £22.
• Junior Warrior | Saturday 21st June and Sunday 22nd June 2025 | £25 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £30.
• Total Warrior 6k | Saturday 21st June and Sunday 22nd June 2025 | £35 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £60.
• Total Warrior 12k | Saturday 21st June and Sunday 22nd June 2025 | £35 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £60.
• York 10k | Sunday 3rd August 2025 | £12 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £24.
• Great North Run | Sunday 7th September 2025 | £25 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £49.
• Yorkshire Marathon | Sunday 19th October 2025 | £25 until Midnight 1st March 2025 | Full Price £30.