Families dealing with childhood cancer have faced much turmoil this year; with the stresses and strains of keeping their child safe, navigating frequently changing government guidelines and hospital practices, as well as increased financial pressures that both COVID and childhood cancer have brought. Through these challenges, Candlelighters has been there for families at every step, with adapted services to support them emotionally, practically and financially and the charity is determined to help bring smiles to their faces this Christmas too.
Candlelighters has been supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer for over 40 years.
The Riley family from Harrogate, are one of these families. Their daughter, Rosie, was just six when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Rosie was very poorly and, after four rounds of chemotherapy, needed a bone marrow transplant.
Rosie’s mum, Lisa, said:
During her treatment we lived at the LGI for five months and Candlelighters made Rosie smile every day. They would visit her room when she was too poorly to go to the playroom, they would bring little gifts to cheer her up and they always had time for a chat. The sweetie trolley was a weekly highlight and the presents on Christmas Eve were very exciting (and Santa’s visit of course!).
This Christmas, Candlelighters plans to bring some festive joy to the children that will spend Christmas in hospital – with gifts, themed events and even a virtual visit from Santa.
Rosie is now eleven and continues to be supported by Candlelighters, who says it’s ‘support lasts a lifetime’.
Lisa said:
If you are thinking of raising money for Candlelighters I absolutely urge you. They make a rubbish day a good day and turn a sad face into a smiley face. We absolutely can’t thank Candlelighters enough, we would have been lost without them.
Candlelighters relies entirely on support from the community to continue delivering its support to families. If you would like to support Candlelighters this Christmas, you can find all the ways to do so on their website at https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/christmas-2020/ or by calling them on 0113 322 9283.
By supporting Candlelighters during this festive season, you will be helping to make Christmas a little brighter for all the families and children currently battling childhood cancer across Yorkshire.
Moving messages, Lisa and Rosie! What a great job Candlelighters perform.