Family’s trek to say thanks to Candlelighters

Olivia Weston was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last October and her treatment began just three days later.

Her parents Gemma and Rob joined friends and family at the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on Saturday to raise thousands of pounds for the children’s charity Candlelighters which gave invaluable help to them and Olivia.

Mrs Weston, of Mill Field Crescent, Pontefract, said: “The trek went really well. There were 14 of us who did it to raise money for Candlelighters and nearly everyone completed it.

“We don’t know exactly how much we’ve raised but every couple raised at least £500 which is amazing.

“It’s brilliant for us to be able to give Candlelighters something back because they were there for us right from the beginning.

“What is most pleasing is that we know with the money we’ve raised the charity will be able to help other families in the same way they helped us.”

Mr and Mrs Weston opted for her to take part in a chemotherapy trial, which saw her given a higher dosage of the treatment, at Leeds General Infirmary.

The youngster was in remission just eight days after starting the treatment and is now in her final stage of treatment.

Mrs Weston, 27, said: “Olivia is doing really well and all of the intense part of the treatment is over for her.

“She is back to her mischievous ways again and she has gone back to nursery.”

For more information about Olivia’s condition or if you would like to donate visit www. justgiving.com/gemma-weston