Work In Progress

"When I started my chemo there were times when I just got fed up of being tired and sick and not feeling like me both physically and mentally. When I felt like that the thought of my special day picked me up and gave me something to look forward to when everything else was just a sea of hospital appointments and treatment.

The actual event was mind blowing even when I think about it now I get goosebumps. This had a huge impact on me - it revitalised me and reminded me that life can be not just good, but great.  Whatever things get thrown at you, you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and carry on."

31 year old Michelle has breast cancer and enjoyed an evening with friends at an awards party.

"When the day came my oncologist was kind but frank about the cancer being incurable and that I must have chemotherapy to prolong my life as I am terminally ill.  It was devasting news that led me to having an in-depth chat with my breast care nurse, we discussed how I intend to enjoy every day and do things that give me a feel good factor.

My nurse put me in touch with the Willow Foundation to see if it was possible to provide me with a day out to give me that much needed feel good factor.

We were delighted when Willow offered us a day out on the Orient Express, and on Valentines Day too - wonderful.  We both agreed that the day out was the most romantic Valentine's Day we have experienced and the service was amazing.  This day out will be treasured in our hearts as one of the most memorable days out together."

Debbie is 35 and has breast cancer.

“Fighting to live and not giving up was worthwhile when I looked at my family - I will never forget my daughter’s lovely smiles as long as I live. We needed time to re-group and spend that special time together which we hadn’t had for the year.  Willow allowed that to happen."

39 year old Maria, who has breast cancer, took a much needed break to Center Parcs with her husband and two daughters, creating precious memories for the whole family.

“Over the previous months we had been too preoccupied with worries to just enjoy ourselves and take our mind off things. It was nice to get the chance to do something as a family. It makes such a difference having something to look forward to and feel positive about, especially on the days where you feel down or worried.”

19 year old Rowena, who has Lymphoma, visited London for the weekend to see Wicked at the Theatre with her parents.

"I experienced my dream that I have had since the age of 17, to actually drive the best brand of sports car. I will never forget it and the day brought me so much happiness. A perfect ending to my treatment and ongoing recovery." 

37 year old Douglas, who has testicular cancer, was treated to a driving experience day.

"The most enjoyable part for me was being able to blend in normally with all the other parents and just be ‘mummy’ rather than the family having to think about what I could or couldn’t do.  The sight of my children laughing and enjoying themselves whilst my husband and I watched them feeling like a normal family again was priceless.  For that, I can’t thank you enough."

Hayley is 37 and has ovarian cancer, and spent precious time with her husband and two young children at Center Parcs.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for organising such an excellent day.  The people and the service was wonderful from the moment we walked in until we left.

My mum and I have had a very difficult two years and this reached its peak when I was diagnosed with cancer.  What the special day has given back to me and my mum is beyond words.

We had the best day and with the photographs, now we will have something to always remember it by. It was truly a special day." - Zoe

Zoe, 34, was treated to a makeover and photoshoot with her mum, after she was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.

"The offer of support from the Willow Foundation meant that my wife and I could plan the family trip from my hospital bed - giving me a goal to aim for and the whole family something to look forward to.

We had a great time at Centre Parcs - many many thanks for enabling us to go. Allowing us time together as a family was so wonderful. The whole experience was just what we needed as a family - to bring us together again after spending four long months in hospital and ten months fighting cancer.  The trip gave us a chance to refocus on being a family." - Nick

37-year-old Nick, who has Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, was given a real boost when he went to Center Parcs with his wife and two young sons.

"I had just finished my first round of chemo, my hair had started falling out only a few days before and we were all in need of some cheering up, and then we went on my special day - it was spectacular! "It gave us all something to look forward to, as well as being a welcome distraction  during a tough time.

"It was my family who were doing all the hard work while I was ill, looking after me and my young son, and they were so thrilled to be able to join me. 

"After returning we all felt refreshed and relaxed and I was able to start my next round of chemo feeling strong and positive." - Lizzie

A visit to Brighton, with her family, was a welcome break for Lizzie, 21, during her battle with hodgkins lymphoma.

"What Willow has done for me I can never repay -  the two days I spent in London with my two daughters were nothing short of amazing.

"I  would like to thank you all deeply and sincerely for arranging a weekend the three of us will not forget. "It was simply marvellous and everything went smoothly. "It was such a breath of fresh air for us all, especially after the last few months of my hospital treatment taking its toll on all of us." - Jason

Jason, 39, has a brain tumour. He enjoyed a London trip, including bus tour, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye, on his special day.

"Days like mine are so important for lifting the spirits of young people. "It  really breaks the routine of being in and out of hospital and lets you do something normal, and something you never thought you could do.

"Thank you so much for organising my special day, I had a fantastic time. "The hotel was lovely, right on the Thames. "It was really nice to be picked up in a car too, so we didn't have to worry about getting there and back.

"As for seeing Wembley on cup final day ... wow! "The atmosphere was buzzing, the stadium is twice as big as I imagined. "It was such a great day, so thanks again for making it happen." - Natalie

Natalie, 22, has cancer. She watched Chelsea v Everton at  Wembley stadium on FA Cup Final day.

“Everybody had a fantastic time on the day. "It was a chance for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. "They are still talking about it now. "The children and adults alike really loved the magician! "The DJ had everyone dancing, even the older members of the family, which was great to see.

"My family can't thank the Willow Foundation enough for making it happen.” – Daureen.

For her special day wish, Daureen, 37, chose to throw a thank you party for family and friends who have supported her as she battled with malignant thymoma.

"We wanted to thank you so much for the special weekend you organised for Liam and all of us in London. "We had a wonderful time and certainly made lots of special memories that we'll treasure forever.

"The hotel was fabulous, the transport was a treat and made everything much easier... and the meal and the show were everything we had hoped for and more! "We all felt so spoilt and special and Liam was at the centre of it all and grinning from ear to ear for the whole weekend. "That was priceless for us all to see. "You have no idea how much it meant for all of us to be together, just having fun with nothing to worry about." - Liam and his family

Liam, 24, has cystic fibrosis. He visited London, where treats included watching the musical, Billy Elliot.

"We all had a fabulous time and the timing was fantastic as I had just finished chemotherapy three weeks previously, and commenced radiotherapy the day after we returned. "So it was an ideal opportunity to celebrate finishing the toughest hurdle and beginning the next with all those that helped me on my journey.

"I made the most of the break by going swimming (in my new special costume) with our two year old daughter Hannah, then taking her to see the Humpty Dumpty show and we even managed to squeeze in a game of bowling!

"Words cannot quantify how thankful and grateful me and my family are for the very special time we all spent at Center Parcs." - Sharon

A break at Elveden Forest Center Parcs was a welcome relief for Sharon, 33, at the end of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

"My husband Howard and I can't thank you enough for the wonderful weekend that you arranged for us. "It came at just the right time, having had surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy for breast cancer.

"We spent the Saturday relaxing in the Spa and my husband loved his full body massage! "On Sunday he got up early and spent an hour at the gym. "I stayed in bed and caught up on much needed sleep. "My friends and sister joined us at the hotel  for lunch - the choice was incredible and it felt so lovely to be able to give something back to all of them after they have been such an amazing support to us." -Nicola

Nicola, 39, made the most of her weekend break at The Grove Hotel with family and friends. Nicola has breast cancer.

“The feeling of riding along a rough track at 50mph with clear blue skies and stunning scenery alongside Charley Boorman will stay with me forever. "It was an experience of a lifetime. "To bring everything together at such short notice so that I could be on the course with Charley was a real treat. “I have never felt so alive!" - James

38 year-old James fulfilled the dream of a lifetime, riding alongside motorcycle hero Charley Boorman, on his special experience.

Since his special day, the father-of-two has received the fantastic news that he is in remission.

“It was the best day ever, even before James Morrison and his manager invited us out for drinks – that was the cherry on the icing on the cake. "It was way beyond what I was expecting to happen... in the best way possible! "James said that I inspired him, how awesome, new song I think!

"We got to sit in the studio itself, which was amazing for me because I'm doing a BTEC in Media, Film & Television, so I could look at the cameras and other equipment. "There just aren’t enough words to say how brill it all was.” – Alex

Being invited out for a drink with BRIT Award Winner James Morrison was the icing on the cake for 18 year-old special day beneficiary Alexandra, who has cancer.

“It was a wonderful occasion and Anna and Izzy had a great time, which increased my own enjoyment tenfold. "It was the first football match I have ever been to with them and it meant a lot to me to enjoy a match at Old Trafford with them.

"The memories will live for a long time with all of us. "Thank you for all your hard work in putting all the arrangements together for me. "A big thank you for my special day.” - Mark

United fan, Mark, 37, enjoyed a thrilling game against Blackburn with daughters Anna and Izzy.

“It was really magical. "Being unwell, I’m always wishing the days away because then I’m one day closer to being well again – but I can honestly say I never wanted the night to end.

"The memories will be with me forever, and now this will be the year I met Mark Ramprakash, not the year I fought cancer. It all feels like a wonderful dream now but it wasn’t and I am so, so, so grateful.” – Kezia

Kezia, who has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, mingled with stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment at Strictly Come Dancing winner, Mark Ramprakash’s, testimonial dinner.