What a night we had at the Willow Ball 2023 on Saturday. It was a pleasure to welcome over 200 supporters old and new to join us at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London for an amazing evening. It was great to be able to hear at first hand inspirational stories about the impact of a Special Break, including an emotional speech from Mark Abbott about what it meant to his wife Alice. Beneficiary Kevin Massiah also spoke about what a boost it gave him to receive a Special Treat box.
On the night the event raised over £200,000, all of which will help us to create more extraordinary experiences and precious memories for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.
Every year at the ball the Willow at Heart award is given to someone who has gone above and beyond in helping Willow bring magic to even more young adults living with a life limiting illness across the UK. This year, in recognition of their amazing work in helping to create so many Special Days and their long standing support across all aspects of the charity, Arsenal FC and The Arsenal Foundation were presented with the award. It was handed over by Honorary Presidents, David and Frankie Seaman.
We would also like to thank the brilliant Matt Lucas who did such a great job hosting the event and keeping everyone smiling. We are also grateful to Martin Bayfield for overseeing an electrifying auction that raised a significant amount of money. The exclusive Lymington lot was a highlight and was generously purchased twice. A huge thanks to Melvin at Wright’s Estate Agents as well as Stanwell House and The Hut.
If you’d like to join us next year for what is sure to be another unforgettable evening, please contact Bekki Wilkins – bekki.wilkins@willowfoundation.org.uk
