Cottage project work starts in Leeds

Following months of fundraising, builders have arrived on site at Brandon Cottage to transform it into much-needed accommodation for families from across Yorkshire who require somewhere to stay whilst their child is being treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The Cottage is a project by Candlelighters, a charity that supports families across the county who are facing childhood cancer.

Marie Peacock, Head of Income Development, said: “During a child’s stay in hospital it is essential they can have their family by their side.

“The Candlelighters Cottage will mean that they can have both their mum and dad there and their siblings too; reducing the isolation that they can feel.

“The generosity of the public in supporting this campaign has been overwhelming and we want to thank everyone who has been a part of this for helping to make it happen.”

The fundraising for the Cottage continues, with a further £110,000 needed to reach the total target required.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Jane Dowson, welcomed local builders, J P Wild Ltd, on-site alongside members of the Candlelighters team and project managers.

Coun Dowson said: “Families travel to the hospital from all over Yorkshire making it often impossible to travel home each night. The conversion of this cottage means parents, siblings and grandparents can stay together in a calm place with comfortable surroundings in what is for any family a very worrying time.”