Huddersfield mum who lost twin baby to cancer 'hasn't stopped crying' after friends' amazing response

A Huddersfield mum who lost one of her twin baby boys to cancer says she feels incredibly proud after friends and family helped raise over £18,000 for a special cause.

Nicole Duhaney and her partner Nile, along with friends and family, organised a number of fund-raising events in memory of baby Elijah, who died at home aged just 10 months in 2019.

Elijah and his twin, Emre, had both been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Emre is six years old next month and has a younger brother, Abel, who is now two.

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Nicole says the family talk about Elijah a lot and he is never far from their thoughts, so it seemed the right time to do something special in his memory.

She has now handed over a cheque to Leeds-based children's cancer charity Candlelighters following months of fundraising which culminated in a charity ball.

In total, she and friends organised 17 separate events to raise money, from clay pigeon shooting to a midnight walk.

Nicole said she felt overwhelmed with emotion and very proud as everyone came together for the charity ball earlier this month. More than 200 guests attended the event. The event was organised by Nicole, her partner, sister and two friends.

"I can't put into words how emotional it was. I have not stopped crying. I know how much this is going to help the charity and proud is an understatement."

Nicole says Candlelighters had helped her and Nile and many other families, providing accommodation at Leeds General Infirmary and support with funeral expenses.

The charity helped the family when the twins were poorly, helping them in practical ways as well as creating some special memories.

The charity provided counselling sessions for family members to talk about their emotions following the death of Elijah.

Nicole said the charity ball was a night to remember Elijah and an opportunity to "help a charity that helps people get through the unthinkable."

More than 160 people made donations on to online fund which helped to ensure the charity ball took place.

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