Willow and Red Letter Days collaborate to arrange a bucket list experience 

Willow has teamed up once more with its long-term supporter, gifting experience company Red Letter Days, to arrange the perfect bucket list experience for terminally ill young mum, 34 year-old Ashley Smith from Worcester.  

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, aged just 28, Ashley underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery before being given the “all clear”. Unfortunately, just two years later, she was told that her cancer had returned and had spread to her eye, lymph nodes, bones and her liver. When Red Letter Days approached Willow saying they wanted to provide an ultimate bucket list day for a young family as part of their Christmas campaign, we felt it was important that Ashley was able to enjoy the ‘best day ever’, along with her husband Alex and two children Mia (12) and Oscar (10).

Starting with a luxury afternoon tea at Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace, the family received a surprise visit from Blue band member Duncan James, who joined them for tea before inviting them to his upcoming tour. After an afternoon spent exploring London’s famous landmarks, and dinner at Benihana Covent Garden, the family had a luxurious overnight stay at The Dixon in Tower Bridge. 

Duncan James said “It was such a privilege to meet Ashley and her family and surprise her! Her face was a picture when I walked in. She’s a wonderful woman, wife and mother going through a really tough time at the moment and knowing I brought a smile to her face made me really happy.  It was a really special day and we’ve swapped numbers and I hope to see her again soon.” 

The following day, Ashley took part in a supercar driving experience, and the family were then able to enjoy a VIP tour around the giraffe house at Woburn Safari Park, creating precious memories together.

Maria Alexander, Head of Supporter Fundraising at Willow, said “We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with Red Letter Days to create a break that was absolutely perfect for Ashley and her family. Every detail was considered in order to make their day as special as it could possibly be, and they thoroughly enjoyed being able to just relax and cherish this time together making wonderful memories. Thank you to the Red Letter Days team for their ongoing support of Willow; we look forward to working together to help more families make precious memories in future.” 

Ashley herself said “It is so important for me to have as many memories as I possibly can with my family. We’re huge animal lovers and F1 fans so the day was exactly what we wanted, and we made special memories that will last forever. Meeting Duncan James was a particular highlight – me and my Mum are the biggest fans and my Mum is even saved in my phone as ‘Duncan James’. To meet him in person was completely surreal but just as incredible. It was the best day of my life.” 

Ronan Tighe, Managing Director from Red Letter Days said “Special memories become part of the legacy we hold onto, and carry us through even the most difficult days. Taking the time to make these memories now means we will always have a part of them with us, even when they’re gone.” 

Willow is committed to helping young adults create precious memories with their loved ones and provide respite from the day-to-day challenges that illness brings. As a leading gift experience company, Red Letter Days helps customers create memories every day, making it the perfect partnership for Willow.