What would you do if your best friend asked you to get your kit off for a fundraiser? If you’re friends with Stacey Wilcox, the only answer is yes. Read her story:
*warning* brave and beautiful women baring all to raise money for Special Days.
Stacey’s Special Day
When Stacey was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, aged 33, she says: “I was devastated. Everyone was trying to reassure me that it would be nothing but I just knew. However, after six rounds of chemotherapy I haven’t lost my hair and I still do the things that I used to do, I still go out and socialise with the girls. I’m determined to live life to the full and not let my illness get in the way.
“My friends have been amazing, supporting me through my mastectomy and treatment; helping to keep my spirits up and encouraging me to keep fighting. I applied to Willow for my Special Day, in a way so I could thank my friends for all that they’ve done. We had a fab time at a luxury lodge in Pocklington. It was great to relax and have a giggle again, without the worry of chemo or hospital appointments.”
Closer than ever
With the support of her twin sister and closest friends, Stacey has raised more than £9,700 for charity, bringing them closer than ever.
“I have great friends and they all want to help raise money. So far we have completed a 24 hour boxathon, a friend in Dubai did a skydive, another friend in Belfast hosted a charity night and 55 of them took part in a commando assault course! We also took part in a mud run and are in the process of organising a family fun day.”
Not content with this, Stacey’s made the brave decision to literally grin and ‘bare’ it. Her next fundraising project ‘Stacey Wilcox Friends Bare All’ is a calendar featuring the group of friends posing topless (but covered!) in front of famous North East landmarks. She hopes it will help in her quest to raise awareness of breast cancer in young people and raise funds to help more Special Days possible.
A reason to keep going
“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and love that my friends were willing to go the extra step to take part in the calendar. The photo shoot day was manic and scary but so much fun. In fact, it was another Special Day for us creating so many more fantastic memories together and I really hope we can raise lots of money for Willow.
Having my Special Day to look forward to really helped me get through the gruelling chemo sessions and gave us all a reason to keep on fundraising, so that others like me can spend special time together with their loved ones.”
We’ll keep you posted about when Stacey’s calendar will be available but in the meantime you can keep up to date with Stacey and friends on Facebook and Twitter.