Work In Progress

Ann has been raising money for Willow since 2009 and has been a Champion for Willow since we introduced the Community Champions Scheme in the summer of 2010. To date Ann has raised an amazing £7,000 for the charity a truly fantastic amount.

 What inspired you to become a Willow Champion?
My son Jack was my inspiration. When Jack was diagnosed as terminally ill in August 2008 the Willow Foundation organised a fantastic trip to London for us as a family.  When Jack died in January 2009, aged 20, he had been looking forward to his 21^st birthday and I decided to go ahead and arrange a party in his memory. I knew that I wanted to help the Willow Foundation, partly to say thank you and partly to help others enjoy a special day, as we had done. We raised a fantastic £5,000 on the night and I decided there and then that I really wanted to make as many people as possible aware of the great work that the Foundation does and to fly their flag up north!'

 What does being a Champion mean to you?
To be a Willow Champion is an honour and I love promoting the charity to anyone and everyone who will listen to me.  I cannot thank Willow enough for what they did for our family at a very dark and terrible time in our lives. If I can help even one seriously ill young adult and their family enjoy a day of their dreams, then I have succeeded in my efforts.

 Tell us about the plans you have within your community?
Since Jack's party I have been involved with several fundraisers including a charity football match - the Willow Wanderers (Jack's family and friends) versus ex-players from Bolton Wanderers FC and we held a fashion show at a local cricket club.  Both of which were such big hits with people, we’re hoping to organise them again this year.

Very sadly, in April last year, one of Jack's friends, Aaron, died.  As a result of hearing about our fundraising, the collection at his funeral went to the Willow Foundation, funds were also raised at a charity cricket match and a skydive braved by Aaron’s sister.

Jan has been raising money for Willow since 2008 and has been a Champion for Willow since we introduced the Community Champions scheme in the summer of 2010. To date Jan has raised a fantastic £4,900.

 What inspired you to become a Willow Champion?
Following my own special day in January 2008, I realised the huge impact of Willow's special days. I have been raising awareness and organising fundraising events in the community ever since.

 What does being a Champion mean to you
I get a great deal of satisfaction from doing everything I can to help and support Willow.  I take great pleasure in raising awareness through talking about Willow and the ongoing impact of special days.  I love planning and organising a variety of events which continue to generate  income and support for the charity.  These events would not be possible without the support of Willow, my family, friends, local businesses, local media and an ever increasing number of supporters.

Tell us about the plans you have within your community?
I have a number of Willow talks booked with local groups over the next few months. It is a chance to spread the word about what Willow does and the impact of special days.  I also have a charity fashion show organised for April.  As a Willow Champion, my plan is to continue to gain more local supporters and volunteers, and carry on raising awareness and funds for the charity.