" I worried that cancer would place a massive burden on the children and take the innocence away from their childhood. "

Nicola

When I was handed a Special Day application form whilst I was having chemo by one of the nurses in the hospital, I couldn’t quite believe it. I had to stop myself from crying, something I had done too much of during the past year. I was so touched that people would raise money so someone like me could have an unforgettable day out.

My Special Day came after all of my big treatments had finished. It gave me something to look forward to whilst I was having my chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. The closer the day got the more excited I became. It really did keep me going through everything.

My husband and I managed to keep the Special Day a secret from the children. Everyone that knows me can’t believe that I managed to keep it a secret from the children. It was well worth seeing the surprise on their faces when we told them the morning of my Special Day. They couldn’t believe it and neither could we.

Willow arranged for us to go to Twickenham to watch England v Argentina. Rugby is a huge part of our family life. It was a chance for me to say thank you for everything my husband and children had done for me, a chance to have some real quality family time together. We had an overnight stay in a hotel, which the children described as having a big family sleepover.

After what has been a tricky year my Special Day showed us all that having cancer isn’t all doom and gloom; good things can come out of it. People do selfless, kind things, they are true heroes."