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Willow blog

Every step makes a difference for Rachel

July 6, 2017

Rachel was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer in 2016 but after enjoying a weekend away with her partner for her Special Day, she wanted to give something back to Willow…

“In February 2016 I was given the shocking diagnosis that at the age of 29, I have a rare type of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I underwent months of chemotherapy which made me feel sick, gain weight and lose my hair.

In the midst of this awful year, a friend in a support group told me about Willow and the work that they do. I decided to apply for a Special Day away for myself and my partner Gavin so that we could get a break from the gruelling hospital trips and appointments.

Willow gave me a break to a Forest Holidays log cabin, complete with hot tub. It was such a nice break for us and much needed!

When all my ‘active’ treatment finished I decided I would raise some money to thank Willow and to enable them to pay for others to have the same opportunity, along with some other charities that had helped me out during my year of treatment. So I began a walking challenge – 100 miles per month for 5 months, resulting in 500 miles.

This was quite a challenge for me as I was still recovering from treatment and still having injections that made me achy and fatigued. However by the end of May 2017 I completed my challenge and was able to send Willow a donation of £500.”

If you would like to take a step in Rachel’s shoes, why not take a look at our here for some great ideas on how every step can make a difference.