Yorkshire-based children’s cancer charity Candlelighters has released a moving video to reflect the ordeal of childhood cancer and communicate the range of support services they provide. The film, capturing the thoughts and reflections of the parents of Isla Greenwood, has been launched at the start of the fiftieth year for the charity, which provides a range of services for childhood cancer patients and their families, from across Yorkshire. The video also marks World Cancer Day on February 4th.
CEO of Candlelighters, Emily Wragg, says, “World Cancer Day is an important time to gather and show our support for the children and their families affected by cancer. Every year, around 150 families across Yorkshire receive the terrible news that their child has cancer.”
“We are continually humbled working with so many brave children, parents, and grandparents. We are also so thankful that the people of Yorkshire and across the UK donate and fundraise to ensure these children and their families receive the support they need to get through such difficult times.”
As part of our fiftieth year as a charity, we are particularly grateful to Rachel and Matt Greenwood, the parents of Isla, who sadly died from cancer. They agreed to take part in the video as a thank you to Candlelighters and to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer.
Isla Greenwood, from Wakefield, was just five years old when she was diagnosed in 2019 with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer in children.
The diagnosis had a terrible impact on Isla and her family, mum Rachel, dad Matt, and little brother Max, who was almost two at the time.
One Saturday morning, Isla’s parents noticed a lump on her side. They were sent to the children’s oncology department and received the devastating news that she had cancer. Mum, Rachel told us: “There were no symptoms, just this lump that appeared. It was a nightmare. Our world just got ripped apart, and you think life just isn’t fair.”
Isla began treatment, but the cancer continued to spread around her body. It was found in both lungs, her back, and the top of her leg. Her parents were told she’d never walk again. Isla then began to get headaches; she had a brain tumour as well, and at that time was told she’d only live two to three weeks. Rachel says “Despite everything Isla was going through, she was so resilient, whatever treatment they said she needed, she never moaned.”
From the time Isla was diagnosed, the family received support from Candlelighters. The team on the wards ensured that Isla had fun whenever she was in hospital, and Isla and her family attended many of the peer support groups run by the charity. Isla made many new friends through the groups run by Candlelighters. Rachel says “She was a fun, loving, amazing little girl.”
Isla defied the odds. Despite being told she wouldn’t walk again and would only live two to three weeks, she continued to walk and was able to make many precious memories with her family over the next 16 months.
A particularly special time for the family was a holiday to Center Parcs provided by Candlelighters. Rachel and Matt said: “We went swimming every day, did bike rides, we did everything. Whilst we were there, we didn’t think about it as much, all you were bothered about was having fun. The holiday meant everything. That’s all we’ve got now, those memories.”
In July 2022, Isla was sick and feeling more unwell. Her family took her to the hospital, where they were given the devastating news that Isla had three brain tumours. There was nothing more that could be done. Isla died from her cancer at the age of eight, less than three years after her diagnosis.
Candlelighters has been by the family’s side throughout their journey, helping them to create many happy memories and supporting them since Isla’s death. Rachel reflected on that support saying: “We now realise how lucky we were having Candlelighters. We’ve spoken to people from other hospitals who don’t have the support you do at Leeds.”
Rachel and Matt have taken part in a poignant video chronicling the diagnosis and treatment of Isla, and their gratitude for the services provided by Candlelighters. They hope the video will raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and spur people on to raise valuable funds for Candlelighters.
You can watch the film here: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/world-cancer-day/
Emily Wragg says: “At Candlelighters, we provide comprehensive support for children with cancer and their families in Yorkshire, focusing on emotional, practical, and research-driven services. Our wide range of services includes a family support centre; providing “home-from-home” accommodation; offering financial grants; funding specialised research into supportive care, and bereavement support.”
She adds: “This World Cancer Day Candlelighters is raising awareness of childhood cancer and encouraging the public to consider donating towards, or fundraising for, families struggling with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children. https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/