As Candlelighters and PJ Staffing launch Pink It Up Weekender 2026 across three Yorkshire cities, the campaign shines a spotlight on the real stories of families affected by childhood cancer and the vital role the trust plays in supporting them.
Harper and her family, from Bradford, are one of the many families that have been supported by Candlelighters. Mum, Abi, said: “We spent five months not knowing what was wrong with Harper, endless tests and procedures with no answers. The moment we got the diagnosis was the moment our lives changed forever.”
Harper was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive tumour, aged just three, requiring six months of chemotherapy. Abi reflects on that transformative moment: "You get thrown into a world that you're not prepared for, there's no guidebook for how to navigate it. Your whole life changes, and everyday routines go completely out of the window. As parents, it was really hard for us to watch our little girl go from confident and bubbly to so scared and isolated."
It was at this critical moment that Candlelighters stepped in. With specialist knowledge of childhood cancer support and a range of services designed to help families in exactly these circumstances, the charity provided practical help, emotional support and the reassurance that Harper's family was not alone in their struggle. Harper's story is one of many across Yorkshire.
Each year, over 150 children are diagnosed with cancer in the region. Candlelighters Trust has spent 50 years supporting families like Harper's from the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. The charity provides emotional, practical and financial support through talking therapies, peer support groups, wellbeing sessions, play support and specialist outreach workers.
Candlelighters also offers grants to help families manage costs, provides accommodation at the Candlelighters Cottage, and funds memorable holidays and trips so children can experience joy despite their circumstances. This Pink It Up Weekender 2026 has expanded to Leeds, Harrogate and York, with participating venues including Blayds Bar, Clifford’s Tower and Micklegate Bar.
To learn more about Pink It Up, visit www.candelighterstrust.co.uk. Paul McCallum and representatives of Candlelighters Trust are available for comment and interviews.
Media Contact:
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
Sycamore Communications
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763269
ENDS
Harper was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive tumour, aged just three, requiring six months of chemotherapy. Abi reflects on that transformative moment: "You get thrown into a world that you're not prepared for, there's no guidebook for how to navigate it. Your whole life changes, and everyday routines go completely out of the window. As parents, it was really hard for us to watch our little girl go from confident and bubbly to so scared and isolated."
It was at this critical moment that Candlelighters stepped in. With specialist knowledge of childhood cancer support and a range of services designed to help families in exactly these circumstances, the charity provided practical help, emotional support and the reassurance that Harper's family was not alone in their struggle. Harper's story is one of many across Yorkshire.
Each year, over 150 children are diagnosed with cancer in the region. Candlelighters Trust has spent 50 years supporting families like Harper's from the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. The charity provides emotional, practical and financial support through talking therapies, peer support groups, wellbeing sessions, play support and specialist outreach workers.
Candlelighters also offers grants to help families manage costs, provides accommodation at the Candlelighters Cottage, and funds memorable holidays and trips so children can experience joy despite their circumstances. This Pink It Up Weekender 2026 has expanded to Leeds, Harrogate and York, with participating venues including Blayds Bar, Clifford’s Tower and Micklegate Bar.
To learn more about Pink It Up, visit www.candelighterstrust.co.uk. Paul McCallum and representatives of Candlelighters Trust are available for comment and interviews.
Media Contact:
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
Sycamore Communications
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763269
ENDS