A COURAGEOUS Ilkley Grammar School student has completed a sponsored swim for Candlelighters - despite having two broken legs in cages.

Fourteen-year-old Rebecca Haestier was inspired to take on the epic swimming challenge after seeing the amazing work of the children's cancer charity at first hand.

Rebecca recently had a cancer scare, but thankfully she got the all clear. While she was in hospital, she met the Candlelighters Family Support team at Leeds Children’s Hospital, who provide support to families dealing with a childhood cancer.

Rebecca said: "Thankfully everything is ok for me. But while I was in hospital, I met some children who didn’t have such good news. I also had the opportunity to see and experience firsthand how wonderful Candlelighters are and the amazing work they do. From having Netflix at your bed to delicious food to tempt you to eat. They were so friendly and supportive and full of joy. They make such a difference to what is a scary and overwhelming situation."

In January 2023 Rebecca, had both her legs broken and put in external fixators which are cages which makes it very difficult for her to walk and she relies on crutches and a wheelchair to get around.

Despite this Rebecca decided she wanted to go big and bold, swimming 20 lengths with her legs in cages, with her mum swimming at her side at the swimming baths in Settle.

The brave and fearless student swam 20 lengths in an amazing 45 minutes raising an incredible £2,716 for Candlelighters.

She celebrated with her family that night with a movie and takeaway. Rebecca is also working with the anti-bullying team at her school who are going to do some further fundraising for Candlelighters.

Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child receives a diagnosis, lives are turned upside down in an instant, not just for the child but for their parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and extended family. Candlelighters provide financial, emotional, and practical support to children and families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire, from diagnosis and for as long as families need it.

Becki Marren, Senior Regional Fundraiser for Candlelighters said: "I feel so privileged to support amazing people like Rebecca, who want give back to their local community. The determination and bravery of Rebecca’s challenge is so inspiring and the incredible money she has raised will help pay towards three family holidays, providing them with some much-needed escapism and allowing them to make previous memories together. Rebecca should be so proud of herself."

You can visit Rebecca’s fundraising page at https://candlelighters.enthuse.com/pf/swimmingwithcages to make a donation.