AN ILKLEY fundraising group has been recognised for their longstanding contribution to the fight against children's cancer in Yorkshire.

Members of Ilkley Candlelighters attended the first ever Candlelighters Award event held at the Centenary Pavillion at Elland Road, Leeds. The awards are for those fundraisers who have gone the extra mile in the judges' opinion and to express gratitude to them and all fundraisers who work tirelessly to raise money to help children with cancer and their families.

Claire Parr, Peggy Pullan and chairwoman of Ilkley Candlelighters, Alison Clay were the Ilkley fundraisers who attended. Claire said: "The luncheon was a great success and awards were given to, Team Effort of the Year, Young Fundraiser of the Year, Above and Beyond Effort of the Year and many more. "Much to our total surprise and shock, Ilkley Candlelighters along with Harrogate Candlelighters were called out for a special award in recognition of our longstanding contribution to children's cancer services in Yorkshire."

Ilkley Candlelighters was founded by two sisters in 1982, Rosemarie Fisher and Liz Hornby, both daughters of the late Yorkshire and England cricketer Bob Appleyard, who had themselves lost a brother when they were children. Then in 1982, Rosemarie's son, John was struck down with leukaemia and although initially he seemed to respond well to treatment and went into remission, tragically the disease returned and he died six months later.

Ilkley Candlelighters was formed by a group of friends to buy equipment for St James' Hospital in Leeds and now at Leeds General Infirmary as a way of thanking the staff who worked so hard for John. After John's death they continued to raise money so no child should have to suffer as John did.

That was nearly 35 years ago and Ilkley Candlelighters supported by many, but especially the people of Ilkley, continues to raise money for research and Children's Cancer Services for the people of Yorkshire.

The fundraising highlight of the Ilkley Candlelighters year is the annual ball and if anyone or business is interested in sponsoring the event, advertising or booking tables for the 'To The Moon and Back' Ball, on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Rudding Park Hotel, contact: info@ilkleycandlelighters.org.uk or telephone 07554 119457.

It will be the 35th Year of Ilkley Candlelighters raising money and as always they are looking for donations, prizes and sponsorship as well as people coming for a great night out.