A young boxing fan from Weston-super-Mare enjoyed the experience of a lifetime after Willow arranged a Special Day that saw him meet his sporting hero, professional boxer Dave Allen.
Nineteen-year-old Cole has undergone chemotherapy treatment for a brain tumour and, as a passionate boxing enthusiast, there was only one wish at the top of his list. Willow made that dream a reality, creating a memorable day that he was able to share with his grandad, the person who first introduced him to the sport he loves.
Cole’s passion for sport has always been a huge part of his life. A keen rugby player and devoted boxing fan, his diagnosis had a significant impact on him, forcing him to stop both sports for an extended period and taking away his ability to drive.
Reflecting on his Special Day, Cole said:
“My Special Day felt so surreal. If I didn’t have pictures, I wouldn’t have believed it actually happened. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal with Dave Allen. He was everything I thought him to be and better.
“Another highlight was when me and my grandad were shown our seats. We were told these were seats not even money could buy.
“My Special Day has given me amazing memories with my grandad. I will never forget meeting Eddie Hearne, and being presented with Dalton Smith’s fight gloves was amazing.”
Dave Allen was equally moved by the experience and the opportunity to spend time with Cole. He said: “When Cole’s original letter came through, it really knocked me back. As a father of two, it made me sit back and think about life in general. It’s so precious.
“I’d never done anything like this before, so to see Cole smiling and having a laugh with the other fighters in the dressing rooms really made my own day after hearing about his condition.
“Who would have thought we would have bonded over a Pokémon game? We’re following each other on Instagram now and I look forward to keeping in touch. Hopefully he can come down to my next fight in 2027.”
From sharing a meal with his sporting hero and meeting some of boxing’s biggest names, to enjoying exclusive ringside seats and creating treasured memories with his grandad, Cole’s Special Day was packed with unforgettable moments. Most importantly, it provided an opportunity to celebrate his love of boxing and look ahead with optimism, surrounded by the people and sport that mean so much to him.
