Roxy’s Center Parcs break
Thirty-six-year-old Roxanne from Warwickshire, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a Special Break organised for her by Willow. The trip gave Roxanne, her husband, Scott, and their two daughters, an opportunity to spend quality time together at Center Parcs while enjoying some relaxation at the spa.
“My Special Day gave me time to reflect on what’s happened over the last year.”
Roxy’s story
“I’m an A&E sister and married with two young children. Most of my day, when I’m not working, is spent looking after the children, reading books and spending time with our friends, and playing airsoft.
“After my diagnosis, I couldn’t work which deeply affected me and I felt like I couldn’t be the mother I wanted to be. I felt like cancer was not only stealing my life but also my children’s. I couldn’t take them out due to feeling so ill with chemo.
“I struggled with basic tasks which put more pressure on my husband and I felt guilty. I couldn’t do airsoft and I couldn’t bear to look at a book for an extended period of time due to being so tired. All I could do was watch TV and sleep. I enjoy food but the treatments took away my taste and I felt like all the joy I did have was gone.”
Visiting Center Parcs
“My Special Day gave me time to reflect on what’s happened over the last year and almost grieve. I realised that me and my family have had a truly awful time but we’ve also made it through the worst and I felt proud of myself and my family.”
“Our day at the spa helped me and my husband relax and we enjoyed going round to try all the different rooms and experiences.
“Eating all the lovely food was great as we’re both foodies, as well as walking around in the chill with hot drinks (one of my favourite things to do in autumn).
“My personal highlight was having a drink in the pub with my husband, people watching, feeling relaxed and just chatting. We lost track of time and missed the shop closing time which made us both chuckle.”
Scott added, “After all of my wife’s treatments and surgeries, having this time with her was the highlight of my time at Center Parcs. It also gave Roxy something to look forward to and kept her positive throughout the treatment.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Roxy. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Rich’s magical special break to Cornwall
Rich, 38, from Ashford in Kent, is receiving ongoing care after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Willow Special Day Coordinator, Claire, worked with him to plan a special break that truly reflected who he is – a lifelong adventurer with a deep love of the ocean.
Rich’s special break was filmed and shown to guests at our annual Willow Ball. He and his best friend and special break companion, Tim, spoke at the ball in 2025 about his experience of living with cancer and his special break.
Rich’s special break
“You forget bad memories and smile.”
Rich’s story
Rich spent his earlier years as an armourer, a footballer, a golfer, a glider and an all-round sports lover. Life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“I’ve got a brain tumour that changed my life, which is rubbish. Focusing on what I can’t do anymore – that’s a big one.”
Following a successful 12-hour operation, Rich remained upbeat, but a second surgery and the complications that followed brought new challenges. Treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, affected him both physically and emotionally.
“I got a great job in London, then went travelling around the world. I came back for a brain scan and misery arrived. Treatment made me put on weight instantly, changing my hot surfer appearance. It made me miserable and I had a lot of seizures.”
When his health declined further, Rich spent two years in a care home, an experience he describes bluntly: “It was rubbish. Please, don’t do it.”
Life began to change again when he was finally offered his own space, independence and a step toward rebuilding.
Rich and Tim’s special break in Cornwall
Throughout everything, one passion never left Rich: surfing.
Having crafted his own wooden surfboard with Otter Surfboards, Willow’s Claire organised for Rich to return to their Annual Gathering in Porthtowan. It’s a place filled with community, laughter and a strong connection to the sea. Rich and his friend Tim travelled to Cornwall to join fellow surfers for the gathering and a day out on the waves.
“My special break was everything. It helped me forget bad memories and smile by being amongst a group of surfers and great people that feel the same as me with their wooden surfboards and waves.
Rich’s special break wasn’t just a trip, it was a “truly magical” reminder of freedom and joy in the middle of an unimaginably difficult journey.
“I loved the special break that Willow organised for me.”
“Thank you for creating memories I can treasure.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Rich. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
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.
Rachel spends time with her family at Port Lympne Wildlife Park
Rachel, 36, from Preston was diagnosed with breast cancer when her children were just three and four years old. Willow organised a special weekend at Port Lympne Safari Park so they could enjoy stress-free time together as a family.
“We had been looking forward to our weekend away for weeks. We made precious memories that will last a lifetime.”
Rachel’s story
“Having a primary diagnosis of breast cancer when my children were just three and four years old turned our world upside down. Receiving a second cancer diagnosis only nine months later had another immense impact on myself and our family.
“I was a student nurse and received no financial help as I had to withdraw from the course and I struggled to access benefits. My husband had just started a new job and the pressure on him – becoming the main caregiver to our children (and me) in addition to providing for our family – was huge. Looking back, I’m not sure how we managed to get through the dark days.
“I have worked hard to rebuild my life and remain as positive as I can. All I want is to see my children grow into adults. Treatment is working well but carrying a cancer diagnosis is still a big burden.”
Weekend away at the Safari Park
“We had been looking forward to our special weekend for weeks. I had always wanted to visit the wildlife park, but we couldn’t afford to go. The children both love animals, so it was the perfect place for us as a family to relax and unwind.
“The main highlight was staying over and having access to the park after hours in a little buggy. We had so much fun driving round and watching the wild animals. The lions were particularly fascinating, they were really close, it was like a dream.”
“Time is precious and making memories means the world.”
“The whole process was stress-free and straightforward; we would like to thank everybody at Willow for providing this opportunity and making it possible.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Rachel. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Chelsea enjoys a stress-free day at Woodland Spa
Chelsea, 26, from Cheshire was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Willow organised a special day for Chelsea and her husband at Woodland Spa in Burnley. Spending a spa day together allowed them to spend precious time as a couple after all the stress they had been through.
“Knowing that we would be enjoying a spa day together gave us a positive focus away from the illness and our challenges.”
Chelsea’s story
“When I found out I had clear cell endometrial cancer, I felt low and depressed as it was the second cancer diagnosis since I had chronic myeloid leukaemia when I was 15 years old. I didn’t expect to have cancer again.
“We had been planning to have IVF shortly but unfortunately the hospital advised me to have a full hysterectomy. I’m gradually coming to terms with the fact I’m not going to have children but it’s hard.
“My surgery was difficult and I was in a lot of pain afterwards which put a strain on both of us. I felt low and angry about what I had to go through and this affected my mental health. Being able to relax in the spa relieved me of my stress and made me feel happy and more positive. I’m still here and thanks to Willow I’ve been able to experience something I can remember forever with my loved one.”
The Woodland Spa break
“We went to Woodland Spa, which included a full thermal experience and access to all of the facilities throughout the day.
“When we arrived at the spa, we felt immediately welcome and relaxed. Our highlight was relaxing in the infinity pool which was on the terrace so that you could relax and enjoy the scenery.”
“My special day made me reflect on my journey and made me appreciate that every moment counts.”
“After my treatments were completed, one of the nurses told me about Willow and the charity has helped people who have been through incredibly tough times. Planning our spa day allowed me to focus on myself and has given us an experience we’ll cherish for a lifetime. I would rate the charity 10/10.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Chelsea. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Madison meets Yungblud at Bludfest
Madison’s Special Day was a day surrounded by music and love at Bludfest in Milton Keynes. Madison was diagnosed with hepatic fibrosis following a kidney transplant. The day gave her the motivation she needed to look after herself and not fall into a rut.
“My Special Day motivated me to keep myself in top shape. I used it as something to work towards, to stay healthy and look after myself, and to not fall into a rut.”
Madison’s story
“I was diagnosed with hepatic fibrosis when I was 19 years old, following a kidney transplant in 2018. My illness has caused me to go into a life of isolation due to my immune system – or lack of it.
“I dropped out of college because I was in pain every day, just walking to and from the bus stop. But I bought my own art supplies and got to work on my own stuff. We spent a lot of money on a wheelchair and fuel for the hospital trips to Birmingham.
“I have a great relationship with my mum and grandad and my siblings. My siblings are more aware of my illness now they’re older. I can see it upsets them as much as it does me when I have days in bed and can’t move. Sometimes I notice my mum crying in hospital. It’s heart-breaking but we all always find a way to lift each other up. I’m happy to be supported by my family.”
Bludfest and Yungblud
“I could feel myself slowly losing the plot, just living in my own little world.
“Therefore, concerts are where I go to connect, to feel at home, at peace and free. Concerts are where I meet my friends, the ones that have stuck with me and looked out for me. We now go to gigs together, which helps my mental health a lot.
“My Special Day at Bludfest was extra special because Willow arranged for me to meet my idol Yungblud who I have looked up to since the kidney transplant. It was great to hug him and thank him for giving me the courage to keep going and keep fighting. His music has and always will be my lifeline. It was a day when I was allowed to be selfish and make it all about me. No stress from hospital visits, just a day to spend with the people I love most.”
“Willow made it possible for me to enjoy a Special Day surrounded by the people I love most, without stress or worries.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults, like Madison. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Lewis meets his mixed martial arts idol
Twenty-two-year-old Lewis is a passionate mixed martial arts fan and had always wanted to go to a live Ultimate Fighter Championship (UFC). After contacting Willow, he was finally able to attend one of the rare UK UFC events.
“Looking back on the event still gives me goosebumps. It’s an incredible memory that made my entire journey feel worth it. I don’t think I’ll ever have a better day.”
Lewis’ story
“In January 2022, I found a lump on my neck and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After that, everything moved really quickly. I didn’t have time to think much. I was operated on within three weeks.
“My thyroid was removed as well as the lump and 57 lymph nodes. The operation was supposed to last three and a half hours, but in the end, it took seven hours. I also had radioactive iodine treatment which was hard because I had to stay in hospital, locked away from everyone.
“Luckily, I am now cancer free. I feel well and happy and lead a normal life. Attending the special day helped me be happy again, instead of just accepting what happened. I heard about Willow from my social worker but almost missed out because I thought the offer of a special day was too good to be true, I thought it couldn’t be real.”
The championships
“Walking into the arena was just mind-blowing. The event was sold out and buzzing. I went with my stepbrother.
“We arrived in the afternoon after driving to Manchester. However, the event didn’t actually start until 10pm and didn’t finish until 8am the following morning! The highlight was meeting Daniel Cormier, one of the old champions who had retired but was there as a commentator.
“I must have watched every single one of his fights. He just happened to walk past. I was so excited, I didn’t know what to do with myself. He was so casual and didn’t mind me taking a picture.”
“My Willow special day really helped me move on and be happy again.”
“It’s nice to be able to move on from the cancer. Going to the championship really helped with that. My Willow coordinator was lovely. I thought it was quite a big ask to get tickets to the championships but she just said “No, we can get it done”. Any details I found, I emailed her, and she responded straight away. I can’t thank her enough.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults like Lewis. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Tilly’s exhilarating skydive
22-year-old Tilly tells us why she chose a skydive as her Special Day. Tilly had been treated for acute myeloid leukaemia and contacted the Willow Special Days team to help her mark the end of her treatments.
“The sky dive was more than just a thrill – it is a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come on my journey.”
Tilly’s story
“I was only 20 years old when I was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia). I then underwent four intense rounds of chemotherapy before going into remission.
“The diagnosis affected me and the people around me in many ways. It limited the amount of people I could see due to the risk of infection and my main source of income stopped as I couldn’t work for more than a year, meaning I had to apply for the benefits that were available to me. I also struggled with travel to and from hospital appointments because of severe fatigue which was one of the side effects of chemotherapy.
“Young Lives vs Cancer and the Teenage Cancer Trust were both supporting me and my family and recommended Willow. Willow was generous enough to offer me, my brother and my stepdad the opportunity to complete a 10,000ft tandem skydive at Chatteris Airfield.”
The skydive
“After my recovery from leukaemia, I had the idea of doing a skydive because I wanted the exhilarating feeling to release any stress that the illness had brought to me and leave it up there, in the air.
“On the day, we had to fill in the relevant forms and complete a quick crash course with key information, getting ready for the big moment. The plane ride was nerve-wracking but so exciting. I was the first one to jump – it was breathtaking. I felt like I left all my worries from the cancer diagnosis behind and that I had started a new chapter when I landed. It’s definitely a memory I will hold forever.
“Willow’s generosity, care and commitment make a real difference”
“I want to thank Willow for organising such a spectacular experience. Willow’s generosity, care, and commitment to creating special moments for people like me make a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful to the entire Willow team for making the skydive possible.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults like Tilly. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Daisy’s Special Break honeymoon in the Cotswolds
At 29, Daisy from Walton-on-Thames is living with Behçet’s disease, a rare and severe inflammatory condition that affects her brain and spinal cord. After a long and difficult journey of treatment and hospital stays, Daisy and her husband Alex were given the chance to spend precious time together on their honeymoon, thanks to Willow.
“We will remember our time on this break forever as a beautiful start to married life.”
Daisy’s journey with Behçet’s disease
“I was diagnosed with neuro-Behçet’s disease in November 2024 after six years of unexplained symptoms. It is one of the most severe presentations of Behçet’s and has left me a full-time wheelchair user. Earlier this year I spent six weeks in hospital receiving intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, which has had a huge impact on my physical and emotional health.
“The illness affects my whole family. My husband cares for me full time alongside his job. My parents, who live abroad, find the distance incredibly difficult when I am so unwell. It has been a very hard time for all of us.”
Time together
“We chose to use our Special Break for our honeymoon after getting married in July. Because of my treatment we couldn’t have the honeymoon we had planned. Willow stepped in and organised everything for us at the De Vere Cotswolds Water Park.
“To spend four nights together, with everything taken care of, was such a gift. Alex didn’t have to cook or clean and we could just focus on being together as newlyweds. It was also important for me that Alex was recognised because carers are rarely given that chance.
“One highlight was being able to share a meal with friends who also live with Behçet’s. To include them made the experience even more special.”
“Just what we needed”
“This break was just what we needed after our wedding. We will always remember it as a precious time when we could be together, away from the stress and treatment. Willow gave us memories we will treasure forever.”
Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults like Daisy. Donate today to help more families create lasting memories.
Rosie’s Special Day meeting Leah Williamson
At just 15, Rosie was diagnosed with kidney disease. In May 2025, her dream came true when she was given the chance to spend an unforgettable day with her lifelong hero, Leah Williamson. Rosie’s mum Amanda shared what the experience meant to her.
“That day gave us memories that will last forever. Seeing the smile on Rosie’s face meant everything.”
Rosie’s story
“Rosie has faced so much since birth. She was born with a spinal abnormality and later had both legs amputated. Over the past year and a half, she has also been living with stage 5 kidney disease and Crohn’s disease. It has been incredibly challenging. When she was born, I was in one hospital and she was in another, and I had a two-year-old at home. As a single parent, juggling hospital life and caring for two young children was really tough. Rosie is quite a quiet girl. She doesn’t often share how she feels, but she takes everything on board. Her conditions affect what she can do, like going out with friends or joining in with activities such as bike riding. That’s actually how she got into skateboarding, something she could really make her own. Even something simple like a day out takes careful planning. Is the place wheelchair friendly? Will the food be suitable for her? It all has a real impact on family life. We try to live life to the full and take it day by day.”
Meeting Leah
“Rosie was absolutely buzzing on her Special Day. Just the experience of going to London and staying in a hotel was exciting, but arriving at the Emirates and seeing her face light up was unforgettable. She gasped when we got the private tour, and then when Leah walked in, her whole face lit up. Leah signed a shirt and football for her, showed her behind the scenes, and even introduced her to the whole squad. Rosie just kept saying, ‘This is the best day ever.’ She didn’t want it to end.”
“I don’t know how they do it, but everything was perfect”
“That day gave us memories that will last forever. Seeing the smile on Rosie’s face meant everything. We never would have been able to do something like that without Willow. I don’t know how they do it, but everything was perfect.”
You can help more people like Rosie experience a wonderful day making precious memories by giving a regular gift.