The Transcom Leeds team has always been very proud to support local charities in our area. Back in the summer of 2014, our team decided that a charity of the year would be elected to support the Transcom Cares initiative. Each team decided on which charity they would like to elect as their charity of choice, and was subsequently opened up for voting. All charities were very worthy causes; however since June 2014 The Candlelighters Trust was established as our chosen charity of the year.
The Candlelighters Trust was established 40 years ago by two parents in the local area to the Transcom Leeds office, whose child had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They identified that more support was required for families and today, the charity is still run by parents of children who have or have had cancer. So, whether it is through the support of the friendly staff and experienced counselors, that 'home away from home' environment they nurture on the ward in Leeds or funding vital research into new treatments and cures.
Candlelighters is determined to support each and every person impacted by child cancer. From the time of diagnosis, Candlelighters ensures that everyone knows where to turn for that essential support. Every family is allocated a social worker, who will be there to provide advice on a wide range of issues, from coping with the emotional demands of treatment to resolving financial difficulties. The social worker can simply be there as a friendly face, a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to. Or they can provide practical help such as arranging applications for hardship grants or arranging holidays for terminally ill children with their loved ones who may not have the opportunity again.
Over the last year, the Charity Committee, with the support of the entire Leeds team have held a number of charity fundraising events. Most recently, we had a bake off competition and raised £580.64. We are delighted that our contributions are helping to fund a brand new family support center which offers respite care for family members and children. You can see and follow their progress on the Candlelighters' Facebook page as well as details of the support Transcom and other supporters are doing for this great cause.