Hayley

Hayley used her Special Day for her daughter to meet her hero, and Willow ambassador, Leah Williamson.

“We have amazing memories that my children can remember forever.”

Hayley’s story

Hayley, 39, has metastatic breast cancer. She wanted to use her Special Day from Willow for her daughter to meet her hero, and Willow ambassador, Leah Williamson.

After arriving at the training centre, a member of Arsenal staff showed the family to the hang out lounge, where Hayley told Willow about the impact of her cancer diagnosis on her life.

“I used to work in a food store and looked after my children, who are now 16 and 12, with my husband Ryan. I liked going swimming and doing things with my family. My illness has taken a lot from me. I have lost all confidence from losing my hair, and also knowing I’m not going to get better and that I am on chemo for the rest of my life.”

Shortly afterwards, Leah arrived from a training session and met the family. Becoming an Arsenal Women fan helped Hayley’s daughter to get through some challenging times, so she was brimming with excitement in her Williamson shirt as she handed over a letter she’d written for Leah. Afterwards, Leah gave the family a tour of the training centre, including the indoor pitch, physio rooms and press conference room. The family then went to the lunch room, where they met more giants of the women’s game – Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Katie McCabe and many more.

“To see a smile on my daughter’s face made it extra special.”

“It made it all worthwhile watching my daughter meet her idol, Leah Williamson. She and all the other Arsenal ladies were so down to earth and chatty with us, and Katie McCabe even gave my daughter a pair of signed boots. To see a smile on my daughter’s face made it extra special. We have amazing memories that my children can remember forever.”

We are grateful to our friends at Arsenal who make these very personal experiences for beneficiaries possible. We are proud of our long-term partnership with Arsenal that not only supports seriously ill young adults in their hour of need, but also supports our fundraising efforts and helps to raise awareness of our work.

This July, Leah is teaming up with Willow for Williamson’s Walk, a fundraising challenge to walk #100KYourWay. Find out more about the challenge here: Williamson’s Walk 2026 – Willow