Lorna’s Hollyoaks Highlight

Lorna, 31, from Leicestershire, is a huge Hollyoaks fan. For her Special Day, she went on a once-in-a-lifetime private tour of the set in Liverpool.

“To forget all the negativity and to have a day which means so much to me – it’s a day I won’t ever forget.”

Lorna’s story

Trigger warning: contains mention of suicide.

“It feels like cancer has taken everything away from me. It’s so hard to see my family and friends struggle with the diagnosis and for them to see me go through this. Cancer is so hard to live with. It’s overwhelming and more days than not it defeats you. I’ve struggled with my mental health since the age of 11. Things improved but then being hit with the diagnosis of cancer my mental health plummeted. Being honest, things got to the point where I was going to end my life. Thankfully, the hospital saved my life.

“Before cancer, the only thing I had to think about was the small things like making sure the bins were put out and going to work. Now it’s hospital appointments, treatment, scans, medication – the list goes on. There is this constant fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix. When I was diagnosed and going through chemo I felt I had lost control over my body and life.

“For the first time in over six months I smiled a genuine smile.”

“My Special Day was truly a day to remember. To have a day where everything else wasn’t on my mind, to make memories and to enjoy life, to be in the moment and not feel completely overwhelmed was such a relief. It wasn’t just a trip to Hollyoaks. It was respite and for the first time in over six months I smiled a genuine smile.

“The highlight was meeting the cast of Hollyoaks and seeing the filming. Hollyoaks is an escape from life. When I watch the show it takes me away from the stress of life. The cast members were so lovely, and it really was a memory I will hold close forever.

“My Special Day was liberating, to smile, laugh and to be in the moment. To forget all the negativity and to have a day which means so much to me – it’s a day I won’t ever forget. It was wonderful for mum and I to have that time together. Even now when I look back on the trip to Hollyoaks it makes me happy and smile because it was such an enjoyable day.”

Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Lorna. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.