Hannah’s cottage getaway
Hannah is 35 and lives in Mid Glamorgan. She was able to relax with her husband and two children in a cottage in Wales on her Special Break. After receiving treatment for bowel cancer, it gave them precious time together in a beautiful environment.
“I felt emotional during my time away.”
Hannah’s story
“I’m married to Rob and we have two children who are seven and four. We both work in financial services and live adjacent to my parents’ small holding in a little village in Wales. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, having meals with my childhood friends and spending time with my loved ones.
“Since diagnosis, my life has turned upside down. One of the side effects of my chemotherapy is that cold can cause throat spasms, so I’ve had to stay indoors, away from the nature I love so much, and can’t even have a cold drink!
“I’ve had neuropathy in my fingers and feet, so I’ve had to wear gloves and very thick socks around the house, which compliment the scarf I wear to keep my throat warm.
“I lost my appetite, and food is one of my many joys, so that was tough. I’ve lost my long, auburn curls, which has been difficult for my children as they have been a part of my identity for them. I’m conscious of the scarring and the portacath on my chest and always try to cover it up.
“I no longer do the school run, which I used to do every day, and I’ve had to take sick leave for the first time, and couldn’t help my parents during lambing season.
“My husband has to do everything for me and I’m now in a wheelchair. I’m currently writing this in hospital, waiting for a procedure on my kidney as my bowel cancer is causing problems, and I am now at risk of redundancy at work.”
“I couldn’t believe the generosity of Willow.”
“The Special Break brought such excitement, for the children and for us. We stayed in a cabin near the beach and it was so cosy and comfortable, and the children loved exploring. We made great use of the hot tub, despite the wet Welsh weather.
“The highlight was the hot tub with the beautiful views down to the Towy River, in a light drizzle of rain, with the children excited and laughing, my daughter dancing on the patio, snuggling my children to sleep in the bunk bed, and exploring the local area.
“I felt emotional during my time away, in a good way, because I couldn’t believe the generosity of Willow.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Hannah. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.