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Willow blog

Kelly’s story

November 17, 2018

A time to be together and smile 

“My mum, sisters and I have always been very close. We would often spend our time together enjoying days out, but my leukaemia diagnosis changed this for us all overnight.

We have not been able to spend any quality family time together, just the four of us, since I became ill. Going through treatment with long periods of time in hospital has meant that my life has been dictated by my illness. After yet another stay in hospital, the one thing that spurred me on to get better was the thought of my upcoming Special Day and some much needed time with my family.

My Special Day was as much for my mum and sisters as it was for me, my illness affected them all. They were the ones that had been there to support me through what has been the darkest of times that we have ever had to experience. To be given the chance to visit such an amazing place as The Big Cat Sanctuary really meant so much to us all and for my Mum, to be able to watch me doing something I love and to have a glance of the ‘old’ Kelly again will stay with her forever.

To be able to get away and forget about my illness, even for just a few days, has made the world of difference to us all, it was everything we had hoped for and more. After such a tough year where time together was not possible, we were able to smile and laugh together and create some new happy memories that we will all treasure forever. It really was the most perfect weekend.”

Kelly is joining us at our Willow Ball this evening to share her story. If you’ve been inspired by Kelly, contact our events team about joining us next year or find out more about how you can help

Thanks to your support, we can continue to provide uplifting and treasured Special Days just like Kelly’s for many more seriously ill young adults across the UK.