Over 400 family members from across Yorkshire joined in the festive fun last month at The Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. It was the first Christmas Party the children’s cancer charity has held since covid restrictions were put in place.
Candlelighters has for over 45 years supported families facing childhood cancer across Yorkshire by offering a range of practical, emotional and financial support services. The annual party allows families to spend time together and escape from their day to day challenges.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Elf on a Shelf wereamongst the mascots and characters there to welcome guests on arrival, before a DJ and dance troop helped start the fun. A magician wowed the families with magical moments throughout the afternoon, and a tombola, lucky dip, photo booth and crafting table provided great entertainment. To round the afternoon off, all the children got to meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Each place at their Christmas Party cost Candlelighters £25. For each child in hospital, it costs £15 to share some of the magic of Christmas provided in a Christmas Eve box. All those kind people who donate to the charity have direct evidence of the good they are doing when they visit the Candlelighters website. www.candlelighters.org.uk/
Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters, said: “We were absolutely beyond excited to have been able to hold our Christmas Party this year. Our Christmas Party is such a special event for the children and their families. All year round, we see first-hand the devastating impact that childhood cancer can have on a family, and the financial strain it can cause. Christmas can be an especially difficult time for a family with a child who has cancer, so we so wanted to give these families happy memories that last a lifetime, and allow them to escape from cancer, just for a while. It’s all thanks to the generosity of the public across Yorkshire that we can be there for families when they need support, and every £1 that is donated this Christmas helped bring some Christmas magic to a family facing childhood cancer when they need it the most.”
