Work In Progress

"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.