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

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

Evie, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in August 2020, has had treatment including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

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

Her dad, Simon, stayed in hospital with her on both days while her mum Katy stayed at home in Scarborough looking after their younger 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 wonderful presents including a beautiful princess dress.

"Candlelighters stepped in where I couldn't be and made it a memorable Christmas. We are so very thankful.

"At the moment, we are possibly facing another Christmas on the ward, but knowing how well we will be looked after does bring comfort at an uncertain time

for our family."

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

Candlelighters offer emotional, practical, and financial support to the families of children receiving treatment at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

IN OTHER NEWS: Leeds city centre second worst hit in country by shift to working from home with £35m drop in spending

Emily Wragg, chief executive officer of Candlelighters, said: "It is absolutely vital that we are able to support families like Evie's not just at Christmas, but all year round, bringing light in the darkest of

times.