In April 2025, Willow launched a project to support more young men living with cancer. As an ongoing piece of work, it aimed to redress the balance in the services we provide, giving support to a greater portion of the 6,000 men aged 16 to 40 diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, many of whom will face barriers in asking for the help they need.
Now, a year on, we’re able to share the difference that the project has made. Over the last 12 months, we’ve delivered 13% more experiences to young men with cancer.
One of those is 28-year-old Jack from South Yorkshire, who is a secondary school teacher and was receiving treatment for melanoma when he heard about Willow.
Jack said: “I have a passion for helping young people, and outside of work, I love football and golf, as well as spending time with my family and our golden retriever, Ru. My diagnosis has massively impacted my ability to work, as well as complete daily activities.
“My partner and family have been so crucial in getting me through the tough times. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
Anna, one of our Special Days Coordinators, organised for Jack and his partner, Natalie, to enjoy an overnight stay at Treetops Hideouts in North Yorkshire where they were surrounded by nature.
“The Special Break made me and Natalie so happy. We loved spending time together with no distractions and it was the first time in as long as we can remember that we truly relaxed. We didn’t want to leave. My time away has given me lifelong memories and feelings that I will never forget – mainly the happiness and love I felt in my partner’s company.”
Natalie added: “We filled our time with lots of things we love and the Special Break allowed us to create memories that we will keep for a lifetime.
“It had a positive impact on Jack as he relaxed and forgot about all the medical appointments and news. The highlight was the entire experience of being able to escape and feel ‘normal’ again.”
You can find out more about our work supporting young men with cancer, on our project page.
If you’d like to read more stories from people like Jack, head over to our Special Day Stories page.