Saturday’s game against Woking will be our focus fixture for The Candlelighters Trust, the charity who have been supporting our U16s captain Harry Rowntree following his diagnosis of a rare form of blood cancer called T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
Harry has been at the club since joining at U8 level and has worked through all stages before working his way up to becoming the current U16s captain.
He has been raising money for the charity, and at present, the amount stands at an incredible £19,500!
Candlelighters will be holding a bucket collection outside the ground on the day, and there will be a half-time pitchside interview with their representatives.
ABOUT CANDLELIGHTERS
Each year, around 150 children and young people 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.
Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why Candlelighters was formed 50 years ago. We understand the difficulties and impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis, and our mission is to bring light and hope in the darkest of times.
Our wide range of support services help families to navigate the challenges they face and feel a little less alone.
We offer emotional support, from talking therapy and support workers to peer support groups and fun activities, family events and holidays. We offer practical support, like accommodation near Leeds Children’s Hospital, and day-to-day support on the wards, including meals for parents, advice and resources. And our financial support helps reduce the strain on finances for parents, from increased travel costs to loss of earnings.
We’re there for families for as long as they need us – our support can last a lifetime. And we also fund vital research, helping to build a brighter future for children with cancer, not just in Yorkshire but around the world.
We receive no government funding, so this life-changing support and research is entirely powered by donations and fundraising from generous people like you. Your kindness truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support.
THANK YOU
“We just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the generous donations and kind offers of support that Harry has received since the club announced his diagnosis. His fundraising campaign for Candlelighters has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful to all the York City supporters who have helped us build such an amazing total while raising significant awareness for this brilliant charity.
“The football community has been incredible, and the power of social media has meant that other clubs and their fans have also been involved. We never imagined he would raise as much money as he has.
“As a parent, nothing prepares you for the words, “your child has cancer,” and it is truly terrifying. The Candlelighters team swing into action immediately and ensure families feel cared for, helping make the process more manageable. We knew the charity existed, but we had no actual understanding of the facilities and services they provide—it is truly phenomenal. They genuinely make a huge difference to how families cope during such a scary and daunting time.
“As far as Harry is concerned, the medical team at the LGI are superb, and we are being thoroughly looked after with a clear treatment plan and an understanding of what the next two to two and half years will look like. His recent CT scan results were positive, and he continues to take each day as it comes, managing varied side effects. We are incredibly proud of his determination and resilience!
“Thank you to Julie-Anne, the Academy staff, Stuart, the players and everyone involved at the club who have supported Harry—we are truly grateful.”
Harry’s family
“Thank you so much for all your generous donations and support.
“I never believed when I started the Just Giving page, it would generate so much interest and raise the amount of money it has for the Candlelighters.
“The social media campaign and the 16th-minute applause was just amazing! Thank you to the Uggla’s, the fans, staff and all who are associated with the club. I am really grateful!”
Harry
“As a club, we are beyond proud of our Under 16s captain, Harry Rowntree. His courage and resilience in the face of adversity are truly inspiring and serve as a powerful lesson to us all.
“We stand firmly beside Harry and fully support his wish to raise funds for Candlelight Charity, a cause close to his heart. Now, we ask our community to come together – to stand with us, and most importantly, to stand with Harry.
“Your support will mean the world.”
Julie Anne & Matt
