Special Days
Helping to make a wish come true for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 across the UK
When you’re living with a life-threatening illness, every day is precious.
Willow Special Days provide hope, smiles, and an experience to remember for young adults living with life-threatening illnesses.
Our Special Days are bespoke experiences or gifts for seriously ill young adults across the UK and they come in three different varieties:
Days out
These are fun-packed day trips designed around your interests. Examples include a trip to a theme park, tickets to a sporting event, a day at the zoo and many more besides.
Alison and her family enjoyed a Special Day at the magical Harry Potter Studios!
Read more of Alison’s story here – Alison
Breaks
This could be a short stay at a hotel or a longer break in self-catering accommodation, such as a holiday park or cottage.
Thanks to Willow’s loyal supporters we were delighted that we were able to make Raminta’s wishes come true by organising a trip to Port Lympne Nature Reserve, to spend precious time with her family.
Read more of Raminta’s story here – Raminta
At home
We also arrange experiences at home which could be an option for those who are less mobile or who find it hard to leave home. Your Special Day at home could be a party for you and your loved ones, a very special photoshoot to capture a precious family moment, a pamper day or a film party!
Shane wanted to create a lasting memory for him and his son should the worst happen.
Keeping the photo beside me was all the motivation I needed to get out of intensive care and to recover for my inspiration, my son.
Read more of Shane’s story here – Shane
Please note – All the above options are part of the same application form and the exact option provided will be discussed with your dedicated Special Day Coordinator once your application is approved.
💜 What makes a Willow Special Day so powerful?
- A Special Day is bespoke and tailored to the individual
Every Special Day is unique and is designed around the beneficiary’s interests, wishes, dreams, and physical needs. We work closely with each beneficiaries, and often their family and medical team, to plan something truly meaningful. - A Special Day provides a break from reality
These experiences offer a moment of relief and respite – a chance to smile, laugh, and forget about illness for a while. - A Special Day is not just for the beneficiary
Beneficiaries can chose to take their loved ones on their Special Day, offering joy, connection and cherished time together. - A Special Day is a positive and uplifting experience
Many participants tell us their Special Day gave them renewed strength, positivity, and hope at a time they needed it most. - A Special Day is for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds across all conditions
Our charitable purpose is to support young adults aged 16 to 40 who are facing serious illness. These young adults often struggle to access support elsewhere. They often don’t meet the criteria for services from other charities, or they may have a condition which is so rare that no charity exists to support them. We help people across all life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
“I felt human again. I felt seen. It wasn’t about my illness — it was about me.”
— Willow Special Day Beneficiary
