Aspiring journalist, 21-year-old Ross Pollock who is living with testicular cancer, will meet GQ Editor Dylan Jones on Wednesday August 26 - the 5000th special day to be organised by national charity, the Willow Foundation. Ross is being flown to London from his home in Scotland by the charity for his special day, which coincides with the Willow Foundation's ten-year anniversary.
Ross was diagnosed with testicular cancer in May 2008 and is being given the special day that has been designed to give people living with life threatening conditions quality of life and quality of time. A break from the routine of hospital visits and treatment, a form of escapism to allow them to forget about their illness even if only for a few days.
The Willow Foundation was set up by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs in memory of their daughter who died of cancer aged just 31. The charity recreates the special days they spent with their daughter that provided her a relief from her symptoms, a break from her illness and ultimately precious memories after she passed away. The unique charity supports a forgotten age group - 16 to 40 - across all life threatening conditions, not just cancer.
Going from just 17 special days in its first year, the Willow Foundation will provide almost 1,500 in 2009 to 16 to 40 year olds living with cancer, cystic fibrosis, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, organ failure and Huntington's, amongst other conditions.
"Living with a life threatening condition is tough for anyone in any circumstance though I managed to pull through by keeping an upbeat attitude and positive outlook on life, I feel a situation is only what you chose to make it though I could not have made my recovery without the fantastic medical staff at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and the unparalleled support given by family and friends. Knowing that there is a charity out there to help brighten someone's day during dark times is truly marvellous and for that I cannot thank everyone at the foundation enough," said Ross Pollock.
Willow Foundation co-founder, Bob Wilson, said: "Making a difference to Ross and people like him has such an impact on their lives and we're so proud to have achieved 5,000 of these special days. We could never have envisaged this ten years ago when we organised just 17 days from the back bedroom of our home. We're grateful to all our supporters who have made these days possible but need even more support to achieve our ultimate goal of a special day for every seriously ill 16 to 40 year old in the UK."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Bob Wilson and Ross Pollock are available for interview.
For more information, please contact:
Jenny Davies, Willow Foundation
Tel: 01707 259777
Email: jenny@willowfoundation.org.uk