Yorkshire-based children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters, is urging people to support families affected by childhood cancer at Christmas.
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. Ellen Atkinson’s family from Wakefield, are one of these families. Ellen’s granddaughter, Isla, aged seven, was first diagnosed with Wilms tumour (a cancer of the kidney) in October 2019 and sadly relapsed in June 2020. Candlelighters have been there for Isla, her mum Rachel, dad Matthew, brother Max and her Grandma, Ellen, since her first diagnosis.
Ellen tells us about their experience:
“I’ll never forget the fear I felt that Saturday morning when Rachel phoned me to say Isla had a swelling in her tummy; within a couple of hours of that first phone call, she was on her way to Leeds Children’s Hospital and things quickly escalated. I remember feeling sick, sweaty – my head was spinning. My imagination and thoughts ran riot that first weekend and little sleep was had.
“Candlelighters became involved on the Monday and I vividly remember Rachel’s voice had changed when she phoned me telling me the support that was available.
“Rachel told me how friendly everyone was at Candlelighters and how at ease they had all made her feel. She had been told of financial grans that would be available, which would help with travelling costs and well-deserved family treats. Isla was played with on the ward whilst Rachel and Matt spoke to the doctors, Elaine [the dinner lady funded by Candlelighters on the Oncology Wards] provided home-from-home comforts: ice lollies, fruit shoots, sweets, crisps and so much more. As a grandparent, this has helped me tremendously – just knowing Isla has always been happy to go to the hospital and knowing the support has always been there for Rachel and Matthew. Isla recently spent over three weeks on the ward and Candlelighters supported the family tremendously: sitting with Isla whilst Matthew has a break, offering to do washing, and providing fun craft sessions.
“Prior to Covid, I would visit Isla most days if she was on the ward. I really feel for the parents also unable to visit the ward and children only having one parent with them, but understand why the restrictions are in place. Over lockdown I’ve attended two grandparent virtual tea parties at Candlelighters which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to being able to return to The Square (Candlelighters’ family support centre) and spending time with others that “just know” and understand.
“For anyone thinking of supporting Candlelighters by fundraising I would say do it – charities need our help more than ever before. Candlelighters helps keep those smiles shining on our amazing children’s faces and lifts the practical and emotional strains from the parents’ shoulders. Every little helps. For the children on the wards in the run up to Christmas and at Christmas, it’s safe to say the Candlelighters will be doing all they can to keep the place happy and fun”.
Candlelighters relies entirely on support from the community. If you would like to support Candlelighters this Christmas, you can find all the ways to do so on their website at www.candlelighters.org.uk/christmas-2020 or by calling them on (0113) 322 9283.
By supporting Candlelighters, you will be helping to make Christmas a little brighter for all the families and children currently battling childhood cancer across Yorkshire.
This post is based on a press release issued by Candlelighters
Photo: Isla with Grandma Ellen
