Teenage cancer sufferer backs charity Candlelighters campaign

Candlelighters wants people to get involved with its fundraising and awareness campaign, Pink It Up, which runs from June 6 to 12.

Taegan, from Birstall was diagnosed with ovarian germ cell cancer in December 2018 at the age of 11. The youngster and her family were supported by the charity.

Taegan’s mum, Kelly, said: “The diagnosis absolutely broke our hearts.

"As a mother I was torn apart trying to be there for my daughter staying overnight in hospital for full weeks whilst she had her treatment, and still trying to be a mother to my sons, aged 3 and 9 at the time. I had to rely on my partner to take time off work so he could stay at home with the boys.

“Childhood cancer is the most horrendous, brutal disease. You sit and watch your own child suffer and go through so much pain, fighting for their life, and there’s nothing you can do other than sit at their bedside.

"Every single time you look at them your heart breaks; you feel so much guilt as you couldn’t protect them, and you can’t save them.”

The charity offers support for the families of children with cancer and serious haematological disorders including emotional, practical, and financial support, as well as investing in childhood cancer research.

Children's cancer charity Candlelighters is holding its Pink It Up campaign in June

Kelly added: “Candlelighters are a saving grace - whilst on the ward you get chatting to other parents and I was told about Candlelighters.  I remember seeing these amazing people in their pink T-shirts coming round and chatting to everyone.”

She feels passionately about supporting Candlelighters, which relies entirely on funding from the community, and raising awareness of childhood cancers.

Pink It Up is Candlelighters’ annual campaign and they are encouraging people across the region to get involved any way they can with pink-themed activities and fundraising.

Chief executive officer of Candlelighters, Emily Wragg, said: “We are so grateful for the support we receive from people across Yorkshire to enable our charity to be there for families facing the most unimaginably difficult time of their lives.

“Fundraising and donations from supporters mean we can provide vital emotional, practical and financial support for families facing childhood cancer, and that support is available to them for as long as they need. We support hundreds of families just like Taegan’s every year.”

To get involved and support families like Taegan’s, visit candlelighters.org.uk/pink-it-up.

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