A sold out audience enjoyed festivities at The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban on December 4 for Willow’s annual Carol Concert. Joined by Willow Life Presidents Bob and Megs Wilson and raising more than £13,239.
Magical musical performances by the talented Hertfordshire Chorus, Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School Choir and Enigma String Quartet were mesmerising.
A very special lady, Jayne Herring, joined us to share the story of her son, Warrick’s, Special Day, giving guests a real flavour of Willow’s purpose.
“It was wonderful to see him so eagerly looking forward to his trip and then afterwards, reminiscing about previous visits as a young boy and the memories of the Lego he’d built as a child. Sadly, it was to be one of the last outings they were able to make as a family because Warrick’s condition worsened greatly and he passed away a month or so after his trip.
As a parent, losing a child is probably the worst tragedy you can suffer, but his dad and I got immense comfort from the fact that Warrick had the time in his final year to make lots of memories with Lisa and Kyan, for them to enjoy and relive in the future. We still feel a great connection to Warrick whenever we see Willow or Lego,” says Jayne.
Beautiful baubles adorned the Willow Tribute Tree in memory of loved ones, and a bauble procession saw Bob & Megs hang a bauble in memory of daughter, Anna, who was the inspiration for Willow. Willow’s newest Ambassador, England Ladies and Arsenal WFC footballer, Leah Williamson, placed a bauble representing the Charity’s Ambassadors and celebrity supporters, alongside representatives from Borras Construction, Willow staff, Trustees and volunteers.
Willow’s Co-Founder and Life President, Megs Wilson said: “Coming together for this concert provides the opportunity to celebrate the season that so often centres on precious time with family and friends. Anna’s legacy continues through those Special Days that Willow provides and we are here to give thanks to all those who continue to make this happen by supporting us through funding, volunteering or gifts in kind and of course all of you here tonight.”
Guests gathered after the performance for wine and mince pies, generously donated by Simmons Bakers.
Over the coming months, Willow will receive more hundreds of applications from people who are struggling to stay positive in the face of overwhelming news. All donations, large or small will make a huge difference. Donate today: https://willowfoundation.org.uk/donate
The Willow Carol Concert is sponsored by St Albans based company Borras Construction. Staff at the company have been fundraising for Willow since 2008.
PHOTOGRAPHS: KEVIN LINES PHOTOGRAPHY