We have priceless happy memories

It gave us the distraction that we needed

We have priceless happy memories

In 2017 Willow delivered its 14,000 Special Day, one of those was for Jason. Here his partner Leigh-anne shares their story:

“Before Jason was diagnosed we were a normal, busy and carefree family. We have three children and we never took life too seriously.

In October 2016 Jason was rushed to hospital with pains in his back - we never thought that our lives could be turned upside down so quickly. Jason was diagnosed with kidney cancer two weeks after being admitted to hospital. Emotions were high, panic had started to set in and the reality of how serious this could be spread fear through us all.

Once we met with the consultant and Macmillan nurse things started to move quickly. It was decided that the best course of action, due to the size of the tumour, was to remove Jason’s entire kidney. The first date that was offered to us for the operation was Christmas Eve, we decided to postpone this so we could enjoy Christmas as a ‘normal’ family. Jason’s operation went ahead on 28th December, it went well and he was up on his feet within hours of the long operation. Jason returned home on New Years Day and we started 2017 cancer free. The road to recovery was difficult, at times it was stressful and emotional, but with the love and support from everyone around us Jason has come out the other side and we were all by his side.

Our Macmillan nurse suggested we apply for a Special Day. At this time emotions were very raw but it gave us the distraction that we needed, something to think about other than the diagnosis.

We chose to go to Center Parcs where we would be able have some quality family time together as well as celebrating Jason’s birthday. We had a new focus and finally had something to look forward to. When Jason felt low or struggled with his aches and pains the thought of our impending trip away really lifted his spirits.

" We have been reminded that there are extremely kind and generous people in the world who allow families like ours the chance to have an experience that they will never forget. Time away to escape the darkness that a serious illness can bring "

Leigh-anne

Our time at Center Parcs allowed us some down time, a chance to stop rushing around and take time to relax with the children. We were able to shower Jason with love and affection and show him how proud we were of him. Thanks to Willow we have priceless happy memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We have been reminded that there are extremely kind and generous people in the world who allow families, like ours, the chance to have an experience that they will never forget, time away to escape the darkness that a serious illness can bring.

Thankfully Jason has returned to work full time and his is in good health with a positive outlook on life. I will be eternally grateful to Willow for everything that they have done for us and that is why I intend to give back in return for their kindness. I have challenged myself to complete a half marathon as well as the Willow 10k in 2017 and 2018 at Hatfield House."

Speaking about his Special Day Jason says…

“Thinking back to early February when I first spoke to Willow I learnt what they would be able to offer us as a family. I was still recovering at the time so having something to focus on and look forward to was a light at the end of a tunnel for me. The chance to have my family share this with me after supporting me through the last six months was amazing; after all they were the ones that had been on the journey with me. My Special Day to Center Parcs was exactly that ‘Special to us!”

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Over the past 20 years Willow has created more than 17,000 Special Days for seriously ill young adults. Read some of their stories.

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There are thousands of young adults diagnosed with serious illness every year and we are determined to raise the funds required to support them through our Special Days.