Hannah’s Extraordinary Elephant Experience

Hannah, 33, from Kettering, Northamptonshire was able to step away from everyday life on her Special Day at West Midlands Safari Park. It gave her the chance to slow down and relax with her wife, Antornella, and their son, Phoenix, in a peaceful environment and enjoy being together as a family, following her ongoing treatment for breast cancer.

“These are the kind of memories that stay with you.”

Hannah’s story

“I’m currently unable to work as I’m still undergoing active treatment, and my wife has also reduced her working hours so she can help care for both me and our son. We’re a family who love spending time outdoors and being surrounded by nature and animals. We especially enjoy discovering new places, exploring together and making special memories as a family.

“Life has changed for us in many ways, but we try to make the most of every opportunity to get outside, experience something new and enjoy the time we have together. Although it has been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through and you live with constant uncertainty, especially being stage four – it has made me realise life is to short and that we need to make the most of our time. Tomorrow is never guaranteed and life is too precious to waste.

“I felt like I was living a dream on my Special Day. I would never have been able to do something as incredible as this due to the cost. There are not enough words to explain how magical it was.
The highlight was watching my little boy get so excited when he saw the elephants come close to our lodge. My boy felt so comfortable and relaxed and we all just felt so peaceful. Something which as a family we hadn’t experienced at all in the last 10 months.

“It was so special to step away from everyday life. It gave us the chance to slow down, explore somewhere new and simply enjoy being together as a family. These are the kind of memories that stay with you. Little moments of happiness, adventure and togetherness that we can look back on for years to come. And if I’m no longer here then my wife and son will remember how much I loved that day with them.”

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