Laura’s relaxing spa day
Laura, 39, from London, and her partner Jake had a much needed break away at Sopwell House Spa. Their Special Day gave them a chance to take a break from the harsh realities of Laura’s illness.
“We are forever grateful to Willow for these memories.”
Laura’s story
“In January 2025, I was hospitalised after being unwell for a few weeks, only to discover I had metastatic breast cancer. This was my secondary cancer but came as a huge shock to me and my partner Jake. The majority of last year was spent in and out of hospital – I had 12 rounds of chemotherapy and various other treatments.”
“Initially, it was not a good prognosis. However, I responded really well to treatment and for now they have managed to stabilise my condition.”
“We felt thoroughly spoilt on our Special Day.”
“Our Special Day from Willow was a trip to Sopwell House Hotel & Spa, something we have always wanted to do together. After a rough year it was the perfect way for us both to relax and forget about the outside world, and all the treatments and hospital visits.”
“We felt thoroughly spoilt on our Special Day and the team at Sopwell House catered to our every need. We are forever grateful to Willow for these memories and the work that they do helping people who are dealing with serious illness.”
Jake, Laura’s partner said: “It was lovely to see Laura so relaxed and at ease while we were there, we even had our room upgraded to the luxe suite at Sopwell House which was simply amazing – a real experience of luxury.
We had a wonderful 24 hours together on the Special Day. We felt thoroughly spoilt, it was a much needed break from our busy schedules and the pressures of living with her condition.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Laura. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Jack’s long awaited night out
Jack, who’s from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, is 22 and graduated from university whilst undergoing chemotherapy for leukaemia. He had a perfect Special Day with his two friends at the Premier League Darts, which was something he dreamed of doing for a long time.
“I had the best time, just being able to see it all in person was magic.”
Jack’s story
“I saw symptoms not long before I was taken into hospital. We all thought it was nothing and I thought I was coming down with something. When I learned it was leukaemia I suppose I never realised all that came with it. I just took it on the chin and got on with whatever tests the doctors had to do and was ready to do whatever I had to.
“The first week was the most painful week I think I’d ever had. From not sleeping to feeling powerless, it wasn’t anything I had ever experienced and not something I’d wish on anyone. After that first week I started to see an improvement and was able to grow a little stronger every day. I was allowed to leave the hospital after spending a fortnight there, only to get brought back in with Covid and spent two nights in the CAU.”
“The day was perfect.”
“Thankfully, I can finally say I am in remission and have graduated from university with a 2:1 in Electrical Power Engineering. It has been a rollercoaster of a year but one I will not forget for the rest of my life.”
“We all had an amazing time and the whole day was one I had wanted for such a long time.”
“I was excited from the moment I woke up on my Special Day, especially when we were on the train on the way to the venue. The build up had us all in extremely high spirits. I had the best time, just being able to see it all in person was magic. We all had an amazing time and the whole day was one I had wanted for such a long time.
“Sitting in the bar with my two friends just having a laugh and talking rubbish over a few pints, and then of course being in the venue watching it all unfold and seeing the final match, was amazing. I have incredible memories with my mates now, plus I got to do something that I’d wanted to do for so long. I had such an amazing time on the day. It was perfect.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Jack. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Rosie’s exhilarating trip to Zip World
Rosie is 26 and from Ormskirk in Lancashire and has been receiving treatment for a neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas. As a lover of adventure, Rosie asked Willow if we could organise a Special Day at Zipworld to share with her friends, offering a day of fun and freedom in a beautiful setting.
“It was exactly what I needed to escape the chaos.”
Rosie’s story
“Before my cancer diagnosis I was very active and loved spending time outdoors. I enjoyed long trips to the Lake District, hiking, kayaking and camping, always seeking adventure. I played netball and coached junior teams, which I found incredibly rewarding.”
“My Special Day meant so much to me and helped me regain the sense of adventure I had missed so much.”
“I was committed to my fitness, going to the gym most days, and worked as a youth justice worker, supporting young people at risk and helping them make positive choices.
“After my cancer diagnosis in August 2024 and during chemotherapy my energy levels dropped significantly. I can no longer walk very far without becoming fatigued. I’ve had to take time off work for the foreseeable future and am unable to play or coach netball. I am only able to go camping and kayaking whilst I’m on my two week break from chemo.
“My family and friends are my rocks. I love them to pieces and they’ve always been my biggest support. Throughout this challenging time, their support has been incredibly important to me.”
“My Special Day meant so much to me.”
“My Special Day meant so much to me and helped me regain the sense of adventure I had missed so much. I was surrounded by some of my closest friends, which made it even more special. It was exactly what I needed to escape the chaos, get some fresh air (a lot of it!) and enjoy great company. For the first time in a long while, I felt more like myself again.
“My personal highlight had to be experiencing the biggest zip line in the UK. It was so, so much fun and exhilarating thanks to the adrenaline, the wind in your face, and the thrill of it. I loved spending time laughing and sharing stories with my closest friends while having that feeling of adventure and freedom out in the fresh air and the beautiful scenery, far from the stresses of treatment.
“Willow even paid for me to have the footage from the day so I can relive it forever and share those memories with loved ones.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Rosie. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Christian’s cosy cottage stay
Christian from Edinburgh went on his Special Break with his partner, Rosemary, staying in a remote cottage on the Isle of Skye. The trip offered them time together that was full of peace, relaxation and happy memories after Christian had been diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. Rosemary gave an insight into what their time away was like.
“Christian seemed so free and content.”
Christian’s story
“The Special Break had a massive impact on Christian. It allowed him to get out into nature, where he is happiest, and explore. It was the happiest I had seen him since his treatment ended. It really did come at the perfect time, as his physical state had returned to normal after the trauma of his treatment but also, he seemed to be letting go of the mental trauma too and learning of ways to cope.
“It was one of the happiest times we both experienced since the end of Christian’s treatment.”
“Skye really helped Christian in allowing himself the opportunity to reset and rest after some very difficult months while also reminding him there is so much he wants to do and will do. We would sit in the evenings after a long day walking with the fire on, watching the sheep graze out the window and look out for seals as the beach was just metres away. It was a bit surreal how peaceful it was but it was a perfect place to relax with Christian as we both felt we could stop and catch our breath.
“Christian seemed so free and content. It just made me think of how far he had come and that to everyone else he looked as if nothing had ever happened to him. As a young couple we spend a lot of time going back and forth to each other’s family homes and I stayed with Christian throughout his treatment.
“Skye was one of the first times since his treatment ended that it was just the two of us which gave us the opportunity to create our own routine and spend really good quality time together in a relaxed environment. Skye will always be a place that we will both look back on with lots of happy memories and return to for this reason. It was one of the happiest times we both experienced since the end of Christian’s treatment.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Christian. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Bruno’s spa day helped him unwind after his treatments
Twenty-eight-year-old Bruno from Kent was diagnosed with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. He heard about Willow through his specialist nurse and chose a spa day because he wanted something peaceful to help him unwind and reconnect with his wife after everything they had been through.
“Willow gives people a chance to pause, to enjoy life again, and to create memories that will stay with them forever. It’s a gift I’ll always be grateful for.”
Bruno’s story
“When I got diagnosed in September 2022, it was a huge shock that completely changed my life. At the time, my girlfriend (now wife) Jaci was still living in Brazil.
“We were both incredibly worried about what lay ahead and decided that she and my sister should come to London so I wouldn’t have to go through the treatments on my own. They stayed with me until my last chemotherapy cycle in February 2023. The treatment I received, called R-EPOCH, was challenging, both physically and mentally.
“In March 2023, I was told I was in full remission, and I’m grateful to say that I continue to be. My health has improved a lot, and staying active has become a big part of my life.”
Peace and relaxation at the spa
“My wife and I spent our Willow Special Day at Rowhill Grange Spa. I wanted something peaceful that would allow us to truly unwind and reconnect with each other after everything we had been through. It was the first real chance for us to relax together since becoming parents, as my mum was kindly looking after our son that night.
“I had a deeply relaxing massage, and we enjoyed the pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Dinner at the restaurant was a real highlight, the food was exceptional, especially the duck cottage pie! We also loved the thoughtful gift left in our room.”
“We had the best time.”
“Our Special Day reminded us how far we’ve come and gave us the time to simply breathe, enjoy each other’s company and feel grateful for the life we have now. It was peaceful, healing and full of small moments that made us smile.
“I’m so thankful my specialist nurse encouraged me to apply, because what Willow offers is truly special. It was such a wonderful experience from start to finish. Thank you again for everything.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Bruno. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Amelia’s escape to Edinburgh
Amelia, 24, from Derby had chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to treat AML (acute myeloid leukaemia). Following a referral from her TYA clinical nurse specialist, Willow arranged a special weekend in Edinburgh for Amelie and her friend Terri, where they enjoyed making precious memories.
“Our trip was exactly what the doctor ordered. It was phenomenal.”
Amelia’s story
“I’m an academic scientist, lecturing in biology. I really enjoy quality time with my nearest and dearest, which can be scarce in my busy life. I’m really into activity days and going to museums. It allows for much-needed quality time with my loved ones. It was really shocking to find out I had cancer and that treatment would start almost immediately. My diagnosis came just days before Christmas of 2024, so it really robbed me of the festive period.
“Cancer took away all human interactions and connections that I had in my life. I was unable to be close to those I loved, apart from my mum and her partner, as they were looking after me. The nature of my cancer being in my immune system really isolated me from the world, it was a super lonely experience. It has taken me away from my intense lifestyle and forced me to slow down.”
Spending time together again
“After this forced isolation, it was amazing to be able to spend time with one of my closest friends in a place that I have always wanted to go to. The accommodation we stayed in was in the perfect location, and we were able to explore the whole of Edinburgh at our discretion. My favourite experience was going to the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and visiting their museum. It was honestly unlike anything I have been to before. We also went to see Dolly the sheep, again something we have always wanted to do. Edinburgh at Christmas time was completely magical and gave me a wonderful experience of the festivities, compared to that of the year before.
“My Willow trip allowed me to spend quality time with my loved one, which we wouldn’t have been able to do under normal circumstances, as we are both busy professionals. We explored a new city together and took so many photos. Thank you, Willow, for making this possible.”
“My Willow trip allowed me to spend quality time with my loved one.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Amelia. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
A family weekend at Center Parcs for Liam
37-year-old Liam from Lincoln was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. His Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinator, Candy, got in touch with Willow to arrange a Special Break for him.
“Our weekend was amazing. We could forget the diagnosis and just be happy.”
Liam’s story
“Liam’s cancer has now spread to his liver and as a result, he is receiving palliative care.
“The Willow team worked closely with Liam’s mum, Linda, to create special memories, especially with his two children in mind, who are ten and nine years old. She wanted to surprise them with a wonderful family weekend – which we did.”
“I feel so grateful for the memories you have helped us create.”
Liam spent a weekend at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest with his partner, parents and his two children, Darcy and Rory. The weekend included some exciting activities as well as rest and relaxation in the tranquil surroundings of the resort.
Afterwards, Liam wrote to Willow:
“Thank you for a remarkable weekend in the woods. My family and I had a fantastic, fun-filled weekend. Spending quality time with my children and parents was amazing, it was a time that the diagnosis was forgotten and we were just happy. Mary is a credit to the charity for what she arranged for us. I feel so grateful for the memories you have helped us create.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Liam. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Charlotte sees The Lion King with her family
37-year-old Charlotte from Teignmouth in Devon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Willow arranged for her to have a day out with her family to see The Lion King in London.
“That precious time together has reminded me how much life is worth living.”
Charlotte’s story
“I’m a wife and mum of four. Since being diagnosed with leukaemia our whole life has been flipped upside down. I only got diagnosed a few months ago but have already stayed in hospital three times, with stays of up to four weeks at a time, since then.
“The last couple of months have been incredibly tough on us all. My husband had to give up his job, which has hugely affected us financially, and for the first time in my children’s lives they’ve had to get used to being without their mum. We found out that the chemotherapy didn’t work and that my leukaemia is chemo resistant. I have just started a new treatment plan – we are praying it works but the future is very much unknown right now.”
“A time filled with laughter, love and memories we’ll cherish forever.”
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for giving me this special time away with my family. We had the most incredible time – it was exactly what we needed.
The show was out of this world. The kids absolutely loved it, and I cried most of the way through. Our Willow Special Day gave us some normality, which we hadn’t felt in a long time. I was overwhelmed with feeling loved. Being able to be a normal family again and forget about my illness helped us make memories that will last a lifetime.
“I’m going in for a stem cell transplant soon, and that precious time together has made me even more determined to beat this horrible disease. It reminded me just how beautiful and worth living life truly is.”
“It reminded me just how beautiful and worth living life truly is.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Charlotte. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Libby’s Strictly Special Day
Libby, 30, from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed at the age of 18 with Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVL) – an extremely rare, degenerative neurological condition caused by a riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency.
“Our daughter Libby was a normal baby girl until she was six months old. After a short viral illness, we noticed her eyes wobbling from side to side and were referred to Great Ormand Street Hospital for various scans and tests.”
Although Libby’s symptoms progressed over time, it wasn’t until she was 18 that she received her diagnosis.
“Due to BVVL, Libby’s mobility has declined – she has lost her ability to walk, the use of her hands has reduced, she is now deaf, has no speech and limited eyesight.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Libby’s love of life shines through.
“This has not stopped Libby enjoying life,” Libby’s mum Cathy says.
“She has taught us all how to communicate with her through British Sign Language and Makaton, and through her communication aids such as her SmartBox and communication book.”
A Day to Remember
For Libby’s special day, Willow organised a trip to London for Libby, her mum Cathy, and her intervenor Jenny, to attend a live recording of Strictly Come Dancing.
“Libby has been a very big Strictly Come Dancing fan since it started, so how appropriate that the show was celebrating its 20th year,” Cathy says.
From the very beginning, the day felt magical.
“Libby’s special day out was very exciting. Getting ready in her sparkling dress and shoes as we made our way to the BBC studios in Elstree, Borehamwood.
“Her face was a picture seeing all the celebrity dancers, and her wheelchair was positioned next to judge Craig Revel Horwood on movie-themed night.
“She was so excited to see herself on the TV when she got home.”
The family captured the memories in a scrapbook, which Libby proudly shared with loved ones, and later with the Willow team.
A once-in-a-lifetime moment on an even bigger screen
As special as the day already was, one extraordinary surprise remained.
Libby’s special day was featured on Piccadilly Lights, transforming her experience into a moment seen by thousands.
“Libby’s special day was a wonderful experience that we all treasure and to see it play out on the Piccadilly Lights is a surreal moment, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Thanks to your support, Libby’s face lit up seeing herself not just on one screen – but two.
Your generosity helps seriously ill young adults and their loved ones create lasting memories, moments that can be remembered, replayed, and treasured for years to come.
Watch our Willow’s Piccadilly Lights video featuring Libby’s story as well as some other inspirational beneficiaries on YouTube.
Hannah’s Billie Eilish experience
Hannah from Barnet is 25 and has a diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). After being referred to Willow by Maria, a clinical nurse specialist, we arranged for Hannah and her mum to see Billie Eilish live at The O2 arena which made her biggest dream come true and gave them memories that will stay in their hearts forever.
“Thank you, Willow, for giving us a memory that will stay in our hearts forever.”
Hannah’s story
“I have breathing difficulties which can restrict activity levels and require non-invasive ventilation 19 hours a day due to my type two respiratory failure. Fatigue is a constant challenge, made worse by the respiratory complications.
“I deal with a lot of anxiety about my breathing or how my body may change further in the future as my condition is progressive. My life becomes more structured around care routines, medical equipment and appointments.
“Living with FSHD and type two respiratory failure means facing constant battles from a compromised immune system and hospital stays since 2022, to coping with depression, anxiety and the weight of uncertainty. Music has always been my escape, my therapy and my joy.”
Attending the Billie Eilish concert
“Thanks to Willow, one of my biggest dreams came true – I went to see Billie Eilish live at The O2 arena in London with my amazing mum by my side.
“We sang, we danced and for the first time in a long time, we truly felt alive. That day reminded us that even in the darkest moments, joy is still possible. Thank you, Willow, for giving us a memory that will stay in our hearts forever.”
“Thanks to Willow, one of my biggest dreams came true on my Special Day.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Hannah. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.