Flint Town Hall lit in gold for childhood cancer awareness

This is part of Giddo’s Gift’s annual Go Gold initiative, which aims to raise hope, funds, and awareness in September, childhood cancer awareness month.

The charity was established in 2018 by Mandy Giddins BEM and her daughter Beth in memory of Jordan Giddo Giddins, who died of cancer aged 18 in April 2017.

Go Gold Tribute outside St Mary's Church (Image: Giddo’s Gift)

Mandy Giddins said: "Giddo’s Gift is painting the town of Flint gold again – and we’ll keep doing this until we find a cure for childhood cancer.

"Giddo's Gift has always been about more than just grants and wishes.

"It’s about acknowledging the incredible strength of teenagers and young adults facing the toughest battles.

"Around 3,755 young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK alone, and almost every day a young person loses their life to this disease."

This year, 12 bikes and three scooters were sprayed gold and decorated with the names and dates of young people who have died from cancer.

More than 250 golden heart tributes were also displayed on the railings of St Mary’s Church, Flint, and Chester Suspension Bridge.

Ms Giddins said: "These golden bikes and hearts are a tribute, a symbol of hope and remembrance.

From left: Cllr Melanie Buckley and Mandy Giddins BEM (Image: Giddo’s Gift)

"We’re not just raising awareness.

"We’re shining a light on the stories that need to be told and the lives that deserve to be celebrated.

"Because no child should grow up in a hospital bed."

Ms Giddins is also keen to normalise conversations around childhood cancer and urges parents and young people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

She said: "Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it ripples through families, friends, and communities.

"It’s vital that people are aware of what to look out for, especially as young people's risk factors for developing cancer aren’t well understood, mainly because this group of cancers are relatively rare and diverse."

The Go Gold initiative also aims to boost funds towards research into childhood cancer.

Ms Giddins said: "Medical research has come a long way in the past few years, but researchers still don’t fully know the risk factors that contribute to cancer in young people.

"Childhood cancer remains largely a mystery.

"This is why, as a charity, we annually contribute to childhood cancer research foundations that seek less aggressive treatments and better outcomes for young cancer patients.

"Go Gold with us this September and help us channel our efforts into supporting research so causes can be discovered, treatments can be improved, and hope can be given to thousands of families."

Flint Town Council has donated £100 to Giddo’s Gift.

Councillor Mel Buckley, Flint Town Mayor, said: "I am proud to express my continued support for Giddo’s Gift, a charity that has consistently made a profound impact on the lives of children and families in need.

"The charity’s unwavering commitment to providing essential resources, support and emotional care to those facing serious illnesses means that Giddo’s Gift has become a beacon of hope.

"I wholeheartedly support their mission knowing that every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most."

Flint Town Hall will be lit blue, Jordan’s favourite colour, this week and gold next week to mark childhood cancer awareness month.