The bravery of children diagnosed with cancer is being highlighted throughout the month of September, as part of the annual Light It Up Gold campaign.

The campaign is run in Ireland by the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCF), but is part of an international campaign that originated in the US. As part of it, buildings across the world are lit up in gold throughout the month to shine a light on the bravery of children with cancer and their families.

Over 200 children are diagnosed with the disease every year in Ireland. In 2013, 237 were diagnosed. Around four families each week are given this devastating news and cancer is currently the biggest cause of death by disease among children in Ireland.

However, the CCF is committed to raising awareness of the many issues surrounding childhood cancer, including the importance of early diagnosis programmes and the funding of vital services for those affected.

"We are delighted that children diagnosed with cancer are now automatically entitled to a medical card for five years. This is after extensive campaigning by parents of children with cancer.

"We are currently engaged in submissions for the National Cancer Strategy 2016-2020 and we hope to have paediatric cancer recognised in the strategy for the first time. We hope this will improve the situation for families dealing with childhood cancer in the future," commented Mary Claire Rennick of the CCF.

Ms Rennick's own daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2013 and she admits that prior to this, she was ‘completely unaware of childhood cancer'.

"As parents who have experienced this disease, we want to ensure that everyone is aware. Increased awareness will improve early detection and increase understanding among policy makers and communities, which will hopefully reduce the isolation of families going through childhood cancer treatment and side-effects.

"Awareness will also lead to improved funding for supports and services for families and funding for research into childhood cancer," she pointed out.

She said that the foundation has had a ‘great response' from buildings across Ireland who are willing to take part, and this year, it is hoped that gold will be shining in all 32 counties.

The 3rd annual Light It Up Gold campaign will be launched on Saturday, September 5, with a candle lit walk in Dublin city centre at 6.30pm, followed by a short service in St Patrick's Cathedral. A family fun day will be held from 4pm in St Patrick's Park next to the cathedral.

Walks will also be held at Kilkenny Castle at 4.30pm on September 5 and at Eyre Square in Galway at 6.30pm on September 20.

For more information about the CCF or the Light It Up Gold campaign, click here