Introducing Our 2026 Charity: Candlelighters

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes overnight - not just for them, but for the whole family. The road ahead can be long and uncertain, filled with challenges that go far beyond hospital treatment. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to announce that Candlelighters - winners of our 2025 Charitable Excellence Award - will be our official charity for the 2026 Yorkshire Choice Awards.

"We’re incredibly honoured to be the chosen charity partner for the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026. It’s a year of double celebration, whilst marking 10 years of the Yorkshire Choice Awards, we are also celebrating 50 years of Candlelighters in 2026. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together with the Yorkshire community to recognise local heroes and to raise vital awareness and funds for children and families affected by childhood cancer across the region. We’re so grateful to be part of such a special milestone year.” Iain Blackwood Hobbs, Partnership Executive

And what a year it’s going to be - not only does 2026 mark 50 years of Candlelighters supporting families through childhood cancer, it’s also the 10th anniversary of The Yorkshire Choice Awards. That’s a whole decade of celebrating the individuals, charities, organisations and businesses who make Yorkshire shine. We’re planning something truly memorable for this landmark year, and it’s shaping up to be our biggest and best celebration yet!

Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. Candlelighters provides vital emotional, practical and financial support to families - helping to fund essential research and giving hope for brighter futures. They bring light to the darkest of times, creating moments of joy and helping ensure no family faces childhood cancer alone.

Co-founders of The Yorkshire Choice Awards, Melanie and Jo, said: "We couldn’t be prouder to have Candlelighters as our chosen charity in their 50th year. The public’s vote speaks volumes about the impact of their work, and we’re excited to mark this special year with them - shining a spotlight on such an incredible cause."

Want to get involved? Here’s how you can be part of it:

1. Sponsorship opportunities for our 2026 Awards are now open - a brilliant way for your business to align with this worthy cause, and be part of our biggest celebration yet: Find out more here.

2. Nominations open on 1st August! Start thinking about the people, organisations and businesses you’d love to see recognised in our special 10th anniversary year.

3. Sign up for our newsletter here for all the latest updates, event news and nomination reminders.

Join us in making 2026 a year to remember - and helping Candlelighters continue their incredible work with Yorkshire families who need it most.

Franks Accountants, proud headline Headline Sponsor of The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026.