Amber’s film and pamper weekend
Amber lives with chronic myeloid leukaemia. For her Willow special day, she wanted to do something unique. As a big fan of movies, especially fantasy, sci-fi and action films, visiting a movie set seemed like the perfect choice!
“An unforgettable day which allowed me to relax, reflect and dream about my future.”
Amber’s story
“I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at the age of 21. It’s a rare blood cancer with only around 750 adults diagnosed in the UK each year. I never expected it.
“I had been dealing with unrelated health issues and during a routine check-up, my GP noticed abnormal blood results. I was referred for further investigation, including a bone marrow biopsy. I returned to Edinburgh, where I was in my final year at university, and just a week later – in the middle of my exams – I received the life-changing call: I had CML and needed to start treatment immediately.
“After a month at home, I returned to Edinburgh and pushed through the treatment while studying with the support of my friends. Now, three years on, most of the worst side effects have eased, but I still have chronic fatigue.
“One of the hardest parts is how this illness affects my ability to plan for the future. CML isn’t just a phase. Everything has to be carefully planned, balanced and often put on hold.”
Visiting the Harry Potter Studio
“I first heard about Willow through the Teenage Cancer Trust. After some thought, I knew I wanted to do something unique – something I wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise. As a big fan of movies, visiting a movie set seemed like the perfect choice.
“After talking to Willow and discussing my options, I was thrilled to learn that I would be able to visit the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden for a private tour of a working movie set in the morning, followed by a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in the afternoon.
“In the afternoon, I headed to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. As a lifelong fan, stepping into the world of Harry Potter was a dream come true! I loved seeing the sets, costumes, and learning about the behind-the-scenes details. I also enjoyed a butterbeer at the café! The day ended with a stay at De Vere Latimer, where I had the chance to relax and enjoy the hotel’s spa and beautiful grounds. I felt like a real VIP.”
“Just reach out to Willow”
“My Willow weekend was a real escape from my daily challenges. It allowed me to relax, reflect and dream about my future. I felt joyful, inspired and filled with hope. Being in your twenties with cancer means living with a lot of uncertainty, fatigue and the fear of missing out – so having something to look forward to and feel excited about is incredibly powerful.
“If you are thinking about arranging a Willow Special Day, I’d say: just reach out to them. You don’t have to decide straight away but speaking to their lovely team and reading past stories can really inspire you. I’m so grateful for this experience – it gave me hope, joy and memories I’ll cherish forever. Thank you so much to everyone involved in making this day unforgettable.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Amber. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.