Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation, DanceXplosion & Wakefield Trinity X were delighted to hand a cheque of £3,967.10 to Candlelighers Charity, following our Dance-A-Thon in July.
Following the devastating loss of DanceXplosion participant, Isla Greenwood, back in 2022, our Dance squad teamed up to raise vital funds to keep those, and their families, suffering from childhood cancer supported.
According to national statistics, every year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down, instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.
Candlelighters support the whole family as well as the child, with a huge range of emotional, practical and financial support, in the wards at the hospital and at home where often families can feel even more isolated.
Throughout Isla’s continuous battle, Candlelighters provided support for Rachel, Matt and her brother, Max, throughout all of Isla’s treatment, ensuring that she could experience all the joys of spending time with her family. As well as family life, Isla was a keen dancer, turning up to every session no matter what, giving her all and putting smiles on faces.
Across the day of dancing, over 45 participants turned up to support the worthwhile cause, with many taking on the 12-hour stretch from 8am to 8pm, including a special guest appearance from Daddy Cool.
Speaking on the conclusion of the event back in July, event organiser, Jodie Travis, said, “We were delighted with the overall outcome of the Dance-A-Thon.
“With it being the first time we have organised something like this, I wanted to make sure that it was executed effectively and everyone had a good time, but most of all, some money was raised.
“To collect over £3000 for Candlelighters is an incredible achievement, and I cannot thank everyone enough for making the day what it was.”
Whilst Senior Regional Fundraiser from Candlelighters Charity, Becki Marren, echoed Jodie’s sentiments, saying, ” The donation received will provide one and a half months of talking therapies for family members, providing vital mental health support and a space for family members to work through their feelings, worries and anxieties.
“Thank you so so much for all of your fundraising efforts!”
For more information about the work that Candlelighers conducts, please head to their website, www.candlelighters.org.uk/.