Search and rescue dogs are trained to locate missing people, assist during emergencies, and support operations in challenging environments. From mountains and forests to cities and disaster zones, these dogs use their intelligence, focus, and extraordinary sense of smell to save lives.

They are often seen at major national events, transport hubs, and security operations, showing just how valuable working dogs can be in modern society. Their loyalty, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure make them truly exceptional companions and colleagues.

At Yellow Dog UK, we know that dogs come in many forms, each with their own personality, needs and strengths. While some dogs are highly trained working animals, others may be family pets who need a little more space, patience, or understanding when out and about. That is why awareness matters.

The Yellow Dog UK campaign encourages people to recognise when a dog may need space and to approach dogs responsibly. Whether a dog is a rescue dog, a nervous dog, a working dog, or simply having an off day, respecting boundaries helps create safer and happier experiences for everyone.

This month, as we celebrate search and rescue dogs, it is also a reminder of the amazing diversity of dogs everywhere. From lifesaving heroes to beloved companions, every dog deserves kindness, understanding, and respect.

https://yellowdoguk.co.uk/

CEO Emily Wragg says: “When Candlelighters was founded 50 years ago, the landscape of childhood cancer was starkly different. Treatments were limited, specialist roles were non-existent, and families often faced the trauma of a diagnosis in isolation. Today, thanks to a half-century of relentless community support, care has been transformed through life-changing research, specialist medical roles, and holistic family support.”

A challenge for every supporter.

The new campaign invites supporters to “Pick Your 50.” Whether it’s climbing 50 hills, performing 50 keepy-uppies in the garden, baking 50 cupcakes, or walking 50 miles, the charity is encouraging participants to get creative. The goal is to turn individual milestones into collective impact.

Emily says: “Reaching our 50th anniversary is a testament to the incredible spirit of the Yorkshire community. Since 1976, we have worked tirelessly to transform the standard of care for children and young people. However, while medical outcomes have improved, the journey remains incredibly difficult for families.

“We are asking everyone to take on their own ’50’ challenge this year. Whether your goal is big or small, serious or silly, every penny raised helps us provide the comfort and specialist care that transforms lives. We’ve come so far in 50 years, but our mission won’t be over until children and young people can face cancer with the full support they deserve.”

The impact of support.

Joining the fundraising is simple. Supporters are encouraged to:

1. Pick your 50: choose a challenge that suits your lifestyle.
2. Create your page: set up a fundraising profile to collect digital donations.
3. Spread the word: share your progress on social media to inspire others.

Emily encourages everyone to take action: “Take the first step today. To receive your free Fundraising Pack, featuring tips, tricks, and resources to kickstart your 50th-anniversary challenge, enrol now at  www.candlelighters.org.uk/challenge-50 or contact the fundraising team directly.”

Supporters’ stories.

Andrew Ferguson, from Beverley, now 42, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of three. 

Andrew says: “I began treatment immediately, undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During that time, my parents launched an appeal in my name to support Candlelighters. Thanks to incredible support from our local community, we raised over £6,500. Candlelighters were there for us when we needed it most, providing support, and even a short, funded holiday during an incredibly difficult period.

“Fast forward 39 years, and I’m now 42, healthy, and preparing to take on my third ultramarathon, in support of Candlelighters. I’m preparing for my biggest challenge yet: the GB Ultras Pennine Barrier, which takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks with an extra 25 miles. I’m doing this to raise £1,000 for Candlelighters by the end of 2026.

“Candlelighters means a huge amount to me. I know first-hand the difference they make to families facing childhood cancer. That’s what drives me through the toughest moments in training and racing. I’ve fully embraced the challenge (including pink running shoes and poles), and with several events still ahead this year, I’m aiming to finish with an 80-mile ultramarathon as a final push.

“I’m not the fastest, and I’ve never been the sportiest. But if I can do this, anyone can.

Please support Candlelighters and help make a difference.”

Stacy Procter, from Leeds, is a volunteer and fundraiser for Candlelighters. As part of their anniversary celebrations, she recently held a Candlelighters fundraising party.

Stacy says, “The event was packed full of fun, laughter and community spirit. My aim was to raise awareness and vital funds to celebrate the amazing 50 years of support Candlelighters have offered to children and families affected by childhood cancer. 

“Our community event included fundraising stalls and games, including a Brush Your Mush game, Chocolate Tombola, and ‘The Big Raffle’ which had 60 fantastic prizes to be won” 

She adds: “I am super grateful as the majority of the stalls were made from donations received from local businesses, friends, family and people within the community.  I am also very grateful to my ‘Pink Army’ of volunteers who made this event possible. The afternoon was a tremendous success, raising a grand total of £1,740.94 in two hours!” 

Following this event, Stacy and her team recently raised £420 from a Candlelighters 50th Birthday Celebration Easter Raffle.

Stacy says: “I will also be running the Leeds Marathon in May and the Great North Run in September, to raise further awareness and funds to show my continued support to Candlelighters and the fabulous work they do.” 

Learn more about how you can support Candlelighters in their 50^th Year: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/challenge-50

This one-off collaboration, hosted by Yorkshire Food Guide and proudly supported by R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers, will be held at Rudding Park in Harrogate on May 18, where each chef will serve a course.

The event will be raising money for Yorkshire charity Candlelighters, which helps over 500 families battling cancer each year – offering vital support from financial to emotional.

The line-up features Rudding Park’s Adam Degg from the Michelin-starred FIFTY TWO, Ruth Hansom of The Times’ 2025 restaurant of the year, Jake Jones of the Michelin-starred Forge at Middleton Lodge, Great British Menu’s Ahmed Abdalla of Legacy at The Grand, and Executive Chef Callum Leslie of Michelin-starred The Black Swan Oldstead.

The event is a true celebration of English talent and produce, with drinks from Domaine Evremond, Taittinger’s English sparkling wine, R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers will supply the meat, while the menu is endorsed by hospitality Interior Designer, With Rachael.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from each of the chefs and participate in the silent auction to secure exclusive experiences and overnight stays, all in support of a remarkable cause.

Samantha Williams, Partnership Development Manager at Candlelighters, said: “Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family.

“Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

“We are so grateful to Yorkshire Food Guide, Ruth Hansom, Callum Leslie, Ahmed Abdalla, Jake Jones, Adam Degg, the event partners and everyone attending for turning their passion for food into meaningful support for Candlelighters’ families. It’s a wonderful celebration of Yorkshire at its very best.”

Adam Degg, Head Chef of Michelin-starred FIFTY TWO, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Candlelighters chef’s dinner. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the hospitality community to come together and support a charity that makes such an important difference to families across Yorkshire.

“I’ll be serving our signature Brown Butter Custard Tart from FIFTY TWO, a dessert that reflects our approach to taking simple, beautiful ingredients and refining them with precision and care. I hope the evening raises significant funds for Candlelighters and showcases the strength of our region’s food scene when we unite behind a meaningful cause.”

Ryan Atkinson, Managing Director of headline sponsor R and J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers and Butchers, said: “As a Yorkshire-born and bred family business, when Yorkshire Food Guide approached us about the opportunity to support the ultimate dinner in aid of Candlelighters at Rudding Park, the answer was simple, yes.

“We are proud to sponsor this incredible event for three great reasons: Yorkshire produce, the incredibly talented team of chefs that we supply, and ultimately striving for improving the quality of lives for all those affected by cancer today and in the future.”

The event is priced at £125 per person, with tickets available at: www.yorkshirefoodguide.co.uk/book/charity-dinner-rudding-park

[March, 2026] The QHotels Collection has announced an exciting new commercial partnership with HiO Golf, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, investment and delivering exceptional player experiences across its portfolio of championship venues.

The partnership will see HiO Golf’s cutting-edge hole-in-one technology introduced across the collection’s seven resorts and 11 championship courses, enhancing on-course engagement for members, and visiting golfers alike. The agreement reflects The QHotels Collection’s continued focus on investing in initiatives that elevate the modern golf experience while supporting participation and enjoyment at every level of the game.

Keith Pickard, Golf, Health Club & Spa Director at The QHotels Collection, said: “We are excited to be entering into this partnership with HiO Golf, as it represents another important step in our continued investment into the future of golf across our resorts. We are always looking at ways to enhance the player journey and technology such as this adds a new level of excitement and engagement to the on-course experience.

What makes this particularly exciting is the added value it creates for our members, society groups and corporate partners. It opens up new opportunities for competition, recognition and event activation, while strengthening our position as a progressive and forward-thinking golf collection.”

HiO Golf is redefining the traditional hole-in-one experience through its innovative, fully integrated digital technology. Every ‘ace’ is captured and verified using the advanced HiO HD Camera System, ensuring complete transparency and fairness in every competition.

Designed for easy installation and unstaffed operation, the system will deliver a seamless solution while elevating the on-course experience for players. From real-time verification and instant recognition to enhanced competition formats and event activation opportunities, the technology brings a new level of credibility, interaction and excitement to corporate golf days and member competitions alike.

Chris Perez, Director of HiO Golf added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The QHotels Collection and working alongside a group that is actively committed to enhancing the modern golf experience. Their proactive approach to investing in innovation makes them a natural fit for HiO Golf. This partnership introduces a new dimension to the player experience across the Collection and elevates the traditional hole-in-one moment, creating memorable experiences for members, guests and corporate players alike.”

The rollout will begin next month, forming part of The QHotels Collection’s broader strategy to continue investing in facilities, partnerships and experiences that strengthen its position as a leading golf collection in the UK.

As golf continues to evolve, The QHotels Collection remains focused on combining championship-level facilities with progressive partnerships that enhance engagement, participation and long-term growth of the game.

 Microsoft’s “Red Alert” on Automation — Met with Defiant Optimism by Uganda’s Code Queen Graduates

As top leadership at Microsoft signals urgent warnings about AI’s near-term impact on white-collar work, Uganda’s Code Queen graduates are issuing a clear rebuttal: AI is an invitation to accelerate inclusion, not a countdown to job loss.

Following recent statements from Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, predicting that the majority of professional white-collar tasks could face automation within 12–18 months, and Satya Nadella’s reflections on AI as an existential shift for business models, global debate has intensified around the future of work.

But in Kampala, a different story is unfolding.

Educating The Children’s flagship tech programme, Code Queen, began integrating its dedicated AI course in 2025 — and it has already produced graduates. Since embedding AI into the curriculum, applications have doubled, signalling strong demand from young women eager to position themselves at the forefront of the digital economy.

From Automation Anxiety to AI Agency

Founded in 2009, Educating The Children has supported more than 6,000 young women across East Africa. Code Queen, launched in 2019, was created to bridge the gap between formal education and practical tech employment. Nearly 1,000 women have now graduated from the programme overall, with over 80% moving into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.

The AI course, launched in 2025, builds on this foundation by focusing on prompt engineering, automation workflows, AI-assisted design, strategic thinking, and digital entrepreneurship — ensuring graduates are not just users of AI, but strategic operators.

“When we introduced AI into our curriculum, applications didn’t just increase — they doubled,” says the ETC team. “The appetite is clear. African women see AI not as displacement, but as acceleration.”

AI as a Barrier Removal Tool

Rather than spending months performing repetitive, low-value digital tasks, students now use AI tools to eliminate administrative bottlenecks and focus on higher-value work.

Graduates like Daphne have used AI to automate content creation — generating captions, infographics and marketing materials in a fraction of the time — allowing them to scale personal brands and compete globally. Others, like Ritah, transformed from offering basic CV formatting services into running AI-powered branding businesses.

In this context, AI becomes not a job eliminator but an equaliser.

A Call for AI Solidarity Partners

Educating The Children is inviting UK and global organisations to take part in its “AI Lunch & Learn” initiative — high-value sessions that showcase how Code Queen students are using AI in practical, commercially relevant ways.

In exchange, partner organisations fund a full AI cohort for women in East Africa — turning corporate AI curiosity into measurable social impact.

Reframing the Narrative

While some global leaders describe automation as a “red alert” moment, Code Queen’s response is grounded in preparation, not panic.

If AI is transforming the global desk, then the question is not whether change is coming — but who will be equipped to sit at it.

In Kampala, young women are not waiting for the future of work to arrive. They are already shaping it.

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The charity has secured a remarkable “hat-trick” of nominations, highlighting the strength and depth of its leadership, as it continues its mission to support families facing childhood cancer. The shortlisted colleagues represent diverse areas of the charity’s operations, from executive strategy and mentorship to income generation.

CEO Emily Wragg is shortlisted for both Public and Third Sector Leader, and Company Leader (up to 50 employees). She is recognised for her overarching guidance as CEO and her impact in the non-profit sector. Since joining the leadership team, Emily has been instrumental in expanding the charity’s reach, including the opening of the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre.

Chris Salt, Philanthropy Manager, is nominated for the Mentor award. Chris is recognised for sharing his expertise within the sector and creating supportive communities to maximise the impact of not only Candlelighters, but also other worthy causes.

Head of Fundraising Tom Robertshaw is a finalist for Sales Leader, in the non-profit sector. This award recognises Tom’s exceptional leadership in driving the charity’s income and commercial relationships, ensuring vital funds are available for families in need.

Candlelighters is a Leeds-based charity that supports children with cancer and their families across the entire Yorkshire region. From the moment of diagnosis and for as long as needed, they provide lifetime support services, including family stays at the Candlelighters Cottage, well-being services at “The Square,” and investment in life-saving research.

Emily Wragg commented: “I am incredibly humbled to be shortlisted alongside such inspiring leaders from across Yorkshire. This recognition isn’t just about an individual; it’s a reflection of the great work we’ve done at Candlelighters, bringing light and hope to families during their most difficult journeys dealing with childhood cancer.”

Chris Salt, Philanthropy Manager, said: “Being nominated as a Mentor is a real honour. At Candlelighters, we often say we are a ‘conduit’ for the generosity of our region. Mentorship to me, is a way of making an even greater impact, alongside my day-to-day role. It’s about creating a space where people feel confident to innovate and connect.”

Tom Robertshaw, Head of Fundraising, added: “While ‘Sales Leader’ is a title often associated with the corporate world, in a charity context, it’s about the passion and persistence required to keep our services running. I am proud to lead a team that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our supporters. This nomination belongs to everyone who has ever committed to donate or raise funds for Candlelighters, to help a child in Yorkshire.”

The finalists were selected by an independent judging panel featuring representatives from the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Lloyds Banking Group.

As Candlelighters prepares for the event, the charity remains focused on its core mission: funding essential research and providing emotional, practical, and financial support for over 150 children diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire each year.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children.  https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

Emily Wragg is the CEO of Candlelighters and says: “Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults. Whereas many cancers in adults are influenced by risk factors or the natural ageing of the body, childhood cancers do not have a known cause. The types of cancers children get are often different to cancers in adults too. The most common types of cancers in children aged 0-14 years are leukaemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and lymphomas.

She continues: “The number of children who develop cancer is much lower than the number of adults who develop cancer, but still, four families every day in the UK will receive this heartbreaking news. Early diagnosis of childhood cancer can be crucial, and we want parents to feel confident they can spot the signs and symptoms.”

Emily emphasises that childhood cancer symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses and vary between children. The following symptoms are usually not cancer, but please visit your doctor if your child has any of these. Knowing these signs and symptoms can aid in early diagnosis.

• Continued, unexplained weight loss.
• Headaches, often with early morning vomiting.
• Increased swelling or persistent pain in the bones, joints, back or legs.
• Lump or mass, especially in the abdomen, neck, chest, pelvis or armpits.
• Development of excessive bruising, bleeding or rash.
• Constant, frequent, or persistent infections.
• A whitish colour behind the pupil.
• Nausea that persists, or vomiting without nausea.
• Constant tiredness or noticeable paleness.
• Eye or vision changes that occur suddenly or persist.
• Recurring or persistent fevers of unknown origin.

It is also important for families to know that childhood cancer symptoms often appear in clusters, are persistent, and can be progressive. While these traits do not automatically mean cancer, parents should trust their instincts and speak to a doctor if they are concerned.

Research is being done to better understand what causes cancer in children. Parents of children with cancer can sometimes feel like something they did, or didn’t do, caused their child’s cancer. But the causes of childhood cancers remain unknown, and there is no known way to prevent them; no one should feel blamed.

Emily concludes: “This year, on International Childhood Cancer Day, we’re reflecting on the challenges of childhood cancer, and celebrating how our shared efforts are creating real change around the world.

“Survival of childhood cancers in the UK has drastically increased since the 1970s. Now, 80% of children and young people diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least ten years. There is, however, much work still to be done to improve survival across different types of cancers and to make the process of living through and beyond treatment better for children.”

Learn more about spotting the early symptoms of childhood cancer, and treatments, by visiting https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/support-for-families/about-childrens-cancer/

CEO of Candlelighters, Emily Wragg, says, “World Cancer Day is an important time to gather and show our support for the children and their families affected by cancer. Every year, around 150 families across Yorkshire receive the terrible news that their child has cancer.”

“We are continually humbled working with so many brave children, parents, and grandparents.  We are also so thankful that the people of Yorkshire and across the UK donate and fundraise to ensure these children and their families receive the support they need to get through such difficult times.”

As part of our fiftieth year as a charity, we are particularly grateful to Rachel and Matt Greenwood, the parents of Isla, who sadly died from cancer. They agreed to take part in the video as a thank you to Candlelighters and to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer.

Isla Greenwood, from Wakefield, was just five years old when she was diagnosed in 2019 with Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer in children.

The diagnosis had a terrible impact on Isla and her family, mum Rachel, dad Matt, and little brother Max, who was almost two at the time.

One Saturday morning, Isla’s parents noticed a lump on her side. They were sent to the children’s oncology department and received the devastating news that she had cancer. Mum, Rachel told us: “There were no symptoms, just this lump that appeared. It was a nightmare. Our world just got ripped apart, and you think life just isn’t fair.”

Isla began treatment, but the cancer continued to spread around her body. It was found in both lungs, her back, and the top of her leg. Her parents were told she’d never walk again. Isla then began to get headaches; she had a brain tumour as well, and at that time was told she’d only live two to three weeks. Rachel says “Despite everything Isla was going through, she was so resilient, whatever treatment they said she needed, she never moaned.”

From the time Isla was diagnosed, the family received support from Candlelighters. The team on the wards ensured that Isla had fun whenever she was in hospital, and Isla and her family attended many of the peer support groups run by the charity. Isla made many new friends through the groups run by Candlelighters. Rachel says “She was a fun, loving, amazing little girl.”

Isla defied the odds. Despite being told she wouldn’t walk again and would only live two to three weeks, she continued to walk and was able to make many precious memories with her family over the next 16 months.

A particularly special time for the family was a holiday to Center Parcs provided by Candlelighters. Rachel and Matt said: “We went swimming every day, did bike rides, we did everything. Whilst we were there, we didn’t think about it as much, all you were bothered about was having fun. The holiday meant everything. That’s all we’ve got now, those memories.”

In July 2022, Isla was sick and feeling more unwell. Her family took her to the hospital, where they were given the devastating news that Isla had three brain tumours. There was nothing more that could be done. Isla died from her cancer at the age of eight, less than three years after her diagnosis.

Candlelighters has been by the family’s side throughout their journey, helping them to create many happy memories and supporting them since Isla’s death. Rachel reflected on that support saying: “We now realise how lucky we were having Candlelighters. We’ve spoken to people from other hospitals who don’t have the support you do at Leeds.”

Rachel and Matt have taken part in a poignant video chronicling the diagnosis and treatment of Isla, and their gratitude for the services provided by Candlelighters. They hope the video will raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and spur people on to raise valuable funds for Candlelighters.  

You can watch the film here: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/world-cancer-day/

Emily Wragg says: “At Candlelighters, we provide comprehensive support for children with cancer and their families in Yorkshire, focusing on emotional, practical, and research-driven services. Our wide range of services includes a family support centre; providing “home-from-home” accommodation; offering financial grants; funding specialised research into supportive care, and bereavement support.”

She adds: “This World Cancer Day Candlelighters is raising awareness of childhood cancer and encouraging the public to consider donating towards, or fundraising for, families struggling with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children.  https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/

In 2024 and 2025, there were 44,730 reported shoplifting incidents across the country, representing a 57% increase over the past decade [1]. According to the Charity Retail Association’s 2024 survey, the majority of respondents said shoplifting had risen in the past 12 months, underscoring the growing challenge for charitable organisations and their volunteers.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist charity insurer, is urging vigilance and proactive risk management to help protect charity shops, their assets and their people.

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented:

“Charity shops play an essential role in our communities, raising vital funds and offering affordable goods to local people. Every item stolen from a charity shop represents funds that could have been used for essential services, whether that’s supporting vulnerable individuals, funding research or providing community programmes.

“Unlike larger commercial retailers, many smaller charity shops rely on volunteers and operate on slim margins, making them particularly vulnerable. Protecting their premises, stock and, most importantly, their people, is paramount to ensuring operational continuity.”

Ansvar has outlined five essential tips that charity shops and not-for-profit organisations are being encouraged to incorporate into their security protocols:

1. Secure cash handling: Minimise the amount of cash held on the premises. Make regular bank deposits, preferably with at least one other person and varying the time and route. Securely store the till float out of sight overnight, and never leave cash unattended.
2. Train staff and volunteers: Provide basic security awareness training to help recognise suspicious behaviour and respond appropriately without confrontation. Ensure volunteers understand they should never put themselves at risk by physically confronting suspected thieves.
3. Protect valuable donations: Keep higher-value items, such as jewellery or electronics, in locked display cases or behind the counter.
4. Have the right insurance protection: Ensure an insurance policy provides cover for theft, damage and business interruption. Specialist policies tailored for charities can help minimise financial losses and support the charity’s ability to recover quickly, allowing employees and volunteers to focus on continuing their work in the community.
5. Install security equipment: Consider installing visible deterrents such as CCTV cameras and mirrors to eliminate blind spots, and display clear signage to indicate security measures.

Adam Tier added:

“Theft can be scary and disheartening for those who give their time to support good causes. By staying alert and putting sensible safeguards in place, charity shops can continue to provide safe, welcoming spaces that make a real difference across communities.”

Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, group of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes. The Benefact Group is the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, underscoring Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

[1] https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2024-25/