When a child is diagnosed with cancer, lives are turned upside down in an instant. Not just for the child but for their parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and extended family. Priorities change, everyday concerns suddenly seem trivial and a future once so bright and so full of hope can appear bleak and daunting.

Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, physically, emotionally and even financially.

Helping and supporting those children and their families throughout that journey is why Candlelighters was formed more than 40 years ago and it is why we are still here today.

Because Candlelighters was founded by, and is still run by, parents of children who have or have had cancer and the medical staff who treat them, we understand the trauma and the turmoil of that diagnosis and how the support and care needed may differ from family to family.

So, whether it be through the support of the friendly staff and experienced counsellors, that 'home away from home' environment we nurture on the ward in Leeds or the vital research into new treatments and cures we fund, we are here to help.

Thank you for donating to Candlelighters. Your contribution will go towards invaluable support and services for children with cancer in Yorkshire and their families, and vital research into cures and treatments for childhood cancer. There's a range of simple ways to donate to Candlelighters: Visit http://www.candlelighters.org.uk/get-involved/donate.aspx for further details and to male a donation big or small.