Niamh’s comfort treat box
Nineteen-year-old Niamh from Norwich has received treatment for Ewing sarcoma. Willow organised a Special Treat box for her, which brought comfort and reminded her of the kindness of others.
“I felt so much overwhelming gratitude.”
Niamh’s story
“I started 2025 as a normal year, an 18-year-old spending time with friends, making the most of my final year of sixth form and preparing for my A Level exams in early summer with the hope to study Medicine at University in September.
“I’d noticed an irritating shooting pain all the way down my left leg for months at this point however, I dismissed it as a sport injury with the hope it would improve with time. By April, the pain had worsened dramatically to the point I was struggling to put weight on it, drive and fulfill other day to day activities. I had an MRI scan. The next day, I was told by my GP that she thought I had cancer.
“The month that followed was a strange whirlwind of meeting medical experts, scans and appointments. I was forced into the medical world ironically which was what I had always wanted but on the wrong side, as a patient rather than in a health profession. I was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in my pelvis, a type of bone cancer. Since then, I have lost my hair, had 14 rounds of chemotherapy and a specific radiotherapy called proton beam therapy in London.”
“The box was an amazing, carefully curated and lovingly packaged gift.”
“Having cancer, sometimes it is difficult to describe how it feels. Some days I just feel like my old self as though nothing has changed, other times I feel exhausted with no strength and frustrated with the lack of control over what has happened to my life and health.
“I try to remember the blessings I have seen during this journey, the incredible medical staff and NHS who fight alongside me, having more time, peace and rest, and the kindness from strangers, family and friends that never ceases to amaze me. I could never have fought this fight without these people holding my hand through it all.
“In my Special Treat box, there was such a range of fantastic, thoughtful items including luxury skincare products, a felt sewing kit and lots of chocolates. My favourite item was my sloth hot water bottle – the perfect item to be cuddled and comforted through all times and emotions.
“The box was an amazing, carefully curated and lovingly packaged gift. Full of such lovely items that bring comfort but more importantly, remind me of the kindness of others. After coming home from a long day at treatment and seeing the box delivered for me, I felt so much overwhelming gratitude for the generosity of all those who had contributed to this.
“I had so much fun opening all the wrapped gifts and finding such lovely treats left for me. Thank you I am so very grateful and feel so loved.”
“I am so very grateful and feel so loved.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Niamh. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.