SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Sky Betting & Gaming (SB&G) has selected Leeds based cancer support organisation Candlelighters as its official charity partner for 2018.
Candlelighters supports families coping with children’s cancer within the Yorkshire area, providing counselling, clinics, group therapy and financial support.
The cancer support charity had been selected by SB&G employees following the successful pitch put forward by Receptionist Chloe Cross, on behalf of her friend whose 18-month old son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer affecting mostly children under 5.
“Candleighters provided support for my friend and her family when they needed it most and it is truly amazing to be able to bring the charity this gift in return – a partnership worth thousands of pounds. I’m so grateful to everyone who voted for this special cause and looks forward to our year of fundraising.” Chloe Cross detailed.
Candlelighters was one of six charities shortlisted by SB&G employees, with runners-up; The Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Macmillan UK, Retired Greyhound Trust, Mind and SSAFA – The armed forces charity, each securing a £500 donation.
Fiona Barker, Sky Betting & Gaming’s Community Partnership Manager, said, “This is the third year of competitive employee pitches on behalf of some of our favourite charities and I think what has captured people’s hearts – and votes – with Candlelighters, is the opportunity to give back to a local charity that has been providing both emotional and practical support to Yorkshire families for over forty years.”
In 2017, SB&G employees raised over £65,000 for The Give a Duck Foundation, the grassroots children’s cancer therapy programme.
A delighted Brian Curran, Corporate Fundraiser at Candelighters commented on SB&G’s initiatives: “ Everyone at Candlelighters is thrilled to be have been chosen as Sky Betting & Gaming’s charity partner in 2018. It is particularly poignant that we were nominated by someone whose friend is receiving our support. Our role is to make life a little easier for children with cancer and their families who are going through the most challenging of times.”
