On Saturday 14 November, at The Lancaster Hotel, London, more than 330 guests attended Willow’s flagship event, the Willow Ball, which this year highlighted to guests what makes a Special Day sparkle for beneficiaries and underlined the importance and impact for those living with a life-threatening illness across the UK.
The evening was co-hosted by BBC news presenter and Willow ambassador, Simon McCoy and BBC Breakfast weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood, with former British Number One tennis player, double Olympian and TV presenter, Andrew Castle, running the auction.
It was a fabulous evening that exceeded expectations on all counts, with a tremendous amount raised. Thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsor, donors and guests the Charity will continue to fulfil many more uplifting Special Days this Christmas and into 2016. Days that will allow those living with the difficult realities of life-threatening illness to enjoy a little quality of life and quality of time with those closest to them.
Willow Life Presidents, Bob and Megs Wilson, were delighted to welcome so many of the charity’s supporters, sponsors, patrons and ambassadors. They were also honoured to welcome Doun Choi, the husband of beneficiary, Ting, who shared with guests the story of her Special Day as well as introducing more Special Day stories in the new Willow film, which debuted on the night.
Bob said, “The Willow Ball means so much to us both; it always brings us back to the core of Willow and our Special Days. This is where our hearts and minds are always focused. We read the thank you letters from our beneficiaries, we see their photographs and we share their experiences. Life is unfair, young adults should not have to live with the realities of life threatening illnesses, but while they do, Willow will be here to provide a little normality, a day of joy and a bank of positive memories for them and their families through our Special Days. Thank you to all our supporters, partners, fundraisers and volunteers for helping us provide that ‘sparkle’.
A final thanks must go to all those who gave their time to attend. The evening would not have been such a success if it were not for all our fabulous volunteers who gave up so much of their time to help set up, pack up and help out on the night.
See more pictures from the night here
Guest photographs available to view and buy here