For the second year running the sun was shining on Team Willow and festival-goers at Folk by the Oak on Sunday 19 July. Willow has been Folk by the Oak’s chosen charity since the festival began in 2008, receiving 50p from every ticket sold and collecting donations on the day.
This was the eighth time the festival of folk’s finest acts had taken place in the stunning grounds of Hatfield House, Hertfordshire’s stately home and it was another record-breaking year for funds raised, achieving a fantastic £9,281.50.
Willow beneficiary Jackie Scully, whose Special Day was a trip on the Orient Express with her fiancé, Duncan, wowed the crowd with her open and honest story about how Willow helped her recognise that quality of life is, in many ways, as important as life-saving treatment. She said: “After all, the next chapter has got to be one worth fighting for. I jumped at the chance of being able to escape the conveyor belt of hospital appointments and waiting rooms and, for just one day, do something that put our relationship centre stage once more. Thanks to Willow we were given the opportunity to reflect on what matters. It is one journey we will never forget.”
Hannah Gray, Willow Community and Volunteer Fundraising Manager said: “Once again we are blown away by the support and generosity of the Folk by the Oak crowd and we are honoured to be the festival’s chosen charity. Thank you to the organisers, to the audience, to our amazing Willow volunteers who worked tirelessly in the heat and of course to the inspiring and brave Jackie, for sharing her Special Day story. We are looking forward to next year already!”
A spokesperson at Folk by the Oak, said: “What an amazing amount raised for such an amazing charity. A massive thank you to everyone for being such an incredible and generous audience.”