Girl, six, fighting cancer faces a second Christmas Day and another birthday at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Evie Armstrong at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Evie Armstrong’s parents say the Leeds charity Candlelighters has provided a lifeline for the family as their daughter has spent most of the past 18 months in hospital away from her family.

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Evie, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in August 2020, has undergone multiple treatments that include chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

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Evie Armstrong in her birthday princess costume at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Evie’s birthday is just a week before Christmas, and last year she spent her birthday and Christmas Day in the hospital recovering from a third round of chemotherapy.

Her father, Simon, stayed with her in the hospital both days, while her mother Katy stayed at home in Scarborough and looked after their youngest daughter Beatrice.

Katy said: “Candlelighters and the play team made it magical for Evie.

“She had a birthday disco with a bubble machine and the most beautiful gifts including a beautiful princess dress.

Evie Armstrong at Leeds Children’s Hospital

“Candlelights stepped in where I couldn’t be and made it a memorable Christmas. We are so very grateful.

“Currently we may be heading towards Christmas again in the ward, but knowing how well we are being looked after is comforting in an uncertain time

Evie is one of approximately 150 children in Yorkshire who are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Evie Armstrong at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Candlelighters provide emotional, practical and financial support to the families of children treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Emily Wragg, chief executive officer of Candlelighters, said: “It’s absolutely vital that we can support families like Evie’s not just at Christmas, but all year round, bringing light to the darkest

Evie Armstrong at Leeds Children’s Hospital

“It is thanks to the generous support of the public that we can be there for families and ensure that they never endure these challenging times alone.”

The Candlelighters Christmas Raffle has a top prize of A Leeds Rhinos VIP Experience for 10, worth over £2,500.

The group of 10 will watch the match from their own VIP seats and will enjoy complimentary pre- and post-match hospitality in the Emerald Suite.

Tickets cost £1 each and each purchase will help Candlelighters be there for children and families dealing with childhood cancer this Christmas, and give the gift of hope with their

investing in childhood cancer research for a better future.

Evie Armstrong at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Tickets must be purchased at midnight on December 16th and winners will be drawn on Friday December 17th.

To support Candlelighters and be in with a chance of winning one of some fantastic prizes, find out more and buy tickets at https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/candlelighters-christmas-raffle-2021/

To make a donation go to https://candlelighters.enthuse.com/donate#!/ and to see other ways you can help Candlelighters this Christmas, visit https://www.candlelighters.org.uk /christmas-at- candlesticks/

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