Pink It Up Weekender looks to expand after Leeds success

"Last year, we set out to see if we could bring the business community together to support Candlelighters Trust," Paul explained.

"We had absolutely no idea whether it would work, whether venues would get involved, or whether we'd be able to raise meaningful funds.

"The response was overwhelming. Seven venues across Leeds participated, Leeds City Council lit up the Civic buildings in pink, and we raised £7,000 in just three days. It was extraordinary."

"What really struck me was the genuine commitment from businesses to make a difference.

"It wasn't just about putting up some pink decorations and taking a donation - it was about understanding the importance of the cause and being genuinely invested in supporting families affected by childhood cancer. That gave me the confidence to think bigger this year."

This year's expansion to Harrogate and York represents a natural progression of that success.

Paul added: "When we looked at what we'd achieved in Leeds, it felt like we had a responsibility to extend the opportunity to other parts of Yorkshire.

"We know that childhood cancer affects over 150 families in Yorkshire every year, and Candlelighters Trust works across the entire region. It made sense to expand geographically." Paul shared the importance of Candlelighters Trust's mission in driving the expansion. "When you learn about what Candlelighters Trust does - the talking therapies, the peer support, the financial grants, the accommodation at the Candlelighters Cottage - you realise this isn't about charity in the abstract sense.

"This is about real families who need real support at the most difficult time of their lives."

"This year we're aiming to raise over £10,000 across Leeds, Harrogate and York. We already have confirmed participants in all three cities, including Blayds, Bar, Queens Court, Glamorous, The New Penny, Hotel Indigo, West Ridings, Milford Rugby Club, West Riding, Impossible York, Leeds Civic Hall, Town Hall and City Museum, York’s Bar Walls, Cliffords Tower, Millenium Bridge, Bootham Bar, Micklegate Bar, Milner Hotel and Counter Interiors. I'm confident we're going to surpass last year's efforts significantly."

Looking ahead, Paul is optimistic about the future of the partnership.

"We've committed to a three-year partnership with Candlelighters Trust as a Guardian supporter. In year one, we raised £12,656.59. I want to see us grow that significantly. Every pound makes a real difference to a family facing an impossible situation."

"The beauty of Pink It Up is that it's simple. Venues turn pink, they fundraise, the community gets involved, and real families benefit. It's straightforward, it's meaningful, and it works. I'm excited to see what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond."