For 50 years, Candlelighters Trust has supported families in Yorkshire facing childhood cancer. Each year, around 150 children and young people are diagnosed, beginning intensive treatment journeys often centred at Leeds Children’s Hospital. Long hospital stays, painful procedures and isolation can leave children anxious, exhausted and disconnected from friends and normal life.

Candlelighters provides wraparound emotional, practical and financial support, from Family Support Workers in hospital and Outreach Play Specialists to their Family Support Centre and Cottage, keeping families together during treatment.

With Lifelites technology including a Mini Magic Carpet, sensory POD, VR headsets and a Tech Trunk, children will access calming spaces, immersive escapes and therapeutic play during treatment and recovery. Used daily in hospital, at the support centre and in family homes, this equipment will reduce anxiety, encourage peer connection and restore moments of childhood, bringing comfort, confidence and hope when it is needed most.