Candlelighters is a Yorkshire-based charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. Through emotional, practical, and financial support, they provide vital help to those facing the unimaginable. As their work has expanded, so has their need for a digital presence that reflects their warmth, purpose, and wide-reaching impact.
Following a period of growth and a shift in digital strategy, Candlelighters approached Wish to design and develop a new website, one that would deliver an engaging, user-focused experience while driving donations, service access, and community connection.
Services
Vist websiteProject Objectives
During a thorough discovery phase, we mapped out the primary objectives of creating a user-friendly, high-performing website that serves families, supporters, and staff, with secure, scalable infrastructure and integrated donation and CRM systems.
The existing Candlelighters’ website was functional but dated. It lacked flexibility, speed, and a modern user experience, particularly on mobile. Structurally, it wasn’t optimised to guide the variety of different types of users to the content most relevant to them.
The site also required better tools to support online donations, manage content updates, and represent the charity’s diverse services – from respite breaks to research investment.
Key Features & Functionality
- Audience-Led Navigation: Tailored pathways for families, fundraisers, and professionals.
- Donation Flow Optimisation: Clean CTAs and an integrated donation journey across key pages.
- Flexible Content Blocks: Allows Candlelighters to showcase events, services, and campaigns with ease.
- Online Shop: Built on WooCommerce with a delivery matrix for accurate shipping based on product type and quantity.
- Accessibility & Mobile-First Design: Designed to W3C accessibility standards and mobile optimisation best practices.
Our Approach
We began with a discovery phase to understand the Candlelighter’s operations, audiences, and content priorities. We then used our digital expertise to improve both the front-end and back-end performance.
Modern and Accessible Design
We delivered a mobile-responsive website with an empathetic, friendly feel – true to the Candlelighters brand. Clear user journeys make it easy for families, fundraisers, and supporters to donate or access support services.
Donation & CRM Integration
We integrated the website with Candlelighter’s third-party donation platform and CRM, making it easier to track, manage and engage with donors and service users. The donation process was streamlined to maximise conversions.
Scalable CMS & Secure Infrastructure
Built on WordPress with a custom CMS, the site gives the Candlelighters team full control to update content, create campaign pages, and evolve the site as needed. Our secure managed hosting ensures consistent performance and ongoing protection.
SEO, Tracking & Conversion Focus
We optimised every aspect of the website. From metadata and technical structure to load speed and mobile UX. Google Analytics and Tag Manager were implemented alongside goal tracking to monitor key KPIs including donations, enquiries and engagement.
Website Traffic stats after six weeks
+63%
+98%
+34%
We’re absolutely delighted with the work Wish has delivered. The refreshed branding for our Supportive Care Research Centre perfectly captures its importance and ambition, and the new website is a real step forward for the charity. It’s more than just a website – it’s a place where families can find help, where supporters can see the impact of their contributions, and where our community can stay connected. Working with Wish has been an incredibly positive experience – they really understood us and brought our vision to life.
Ongoing Support & Future Growth
Our partnership with Candlelighters continues beyond launch. As the charity grows, we’re on hand to support with data-led enhancements, new functionality, and campaign content, ensuring the website stays effective for communication, support, and fundraising.
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