Willow News - November edition

Amongst the wide range of beneficiaries we support at Willow are those with less survivable cancers. Together, lung, pancreatic, liver, brain, oesophageal and stomach cancers make up a quarter of all cancer cases.

As November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to share Kirsty's Special Day with you. You can read Kirsty's story below as well finding out more about the ways you can get involved in making Special Days, Special Breaks and Special Treats happen.

Kirsty's Special Day

Thirty-seven-year-old Kirsty from Llangollen, Clwyd has been receiving treatment for lung cancer. As a big fan of pottery, Willow organised a unique Special Day at home with Sally Tully, a renowned ceramicist.

"My husband and I had been fans of ceramics for years before we took up making it ourselves. We are adrenaline junkies but as I have become more and more unwell over the years, we yearned for a hobby both of us could do together again, something that can be done at a slower pace and embraced a mutual passion.

"We haven’t had it easy but my cancer nurse referred me to Willow in the hope they would be able to arrange something for my husband and I to look forward to. They certainly didn't fail."

"When Mary from Willow contacted me it was pretty clear I would choose something pottery related. For years we had wanted to go on Sally Tully's Raku course, where you make your own Raku kiln and are taught how to use it over a series of days. It took some organising but with Sally's kindness and Mary's 'we can make anything happen' attitude, my wish was made.

"The course is normally run in Cornwall but Sally kindly came, stayed with us and facilitated it in our garden, and truly went above and beyond.

"Not only did it give us a focus on very rough days but aided in my rehabilitation as I had an aim. We now have wonderful memories to look back on when times get tough. This Special Day experience has truly meant so much to me and my husband.”

Cancer in Common

Vicky and Sian from our Special Days team recently attended a Cancer in Common event.

Founded by Chloe Dixon, Cancer in Common does incredible work by connecting people over 18 living with cancer or in remission. The charity offers a space for friendships to be made, experiences to be shared, and valuable support networks to be built.

This visit formed part of our wider mission to spread the word about Willow's work and support those whose lives have been affected by cancer. Amongst those in attendance were Willow beneficiaries who had previously had a Special Day or treat box.

Advent of Change

This Christmas, Willow is excited to join Advent of Change 's charity network.

Advent of Change is a non-profit organisation who has raised almost a million pounds for hundreds of charities. Instead of a traditional advent calendar, each door reveals a different charity that you have helped, with 24 donations included in the purchase price.

Buy your calendar from Advent of Change's website to support Willow and other amazing causes.

Beauty Banks

Since 2022 we have been proud of our partnership with the charity, Beauty Banks who generously support us with products for our pamper boxes.

This relationship has continued to grow and we were recently visited by Leo and Esther from the charity, who were able to witness all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in order to deliver this part of our service.

Since our partnership with Beauty Banks began, we have treated 186 beneficiaries to a pamper box, providing them with an additional boost four to six weeks after their Special Day.

Dates for your diary

Carol Concert

Join us for the annual Willow Christmas Carol Concert in the beautiful, historical surrounds of the St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire.

?? Date: Monday 2 December 2024

?? Venue: St Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire

?? Tickets: From ￡6

Buy your tickets now and celebrate the start of the festive season with us!

You can also make the evening even more special by dedicating a tribute bauble to a loved one. Available to purchase on our website until 11:59 pm on Sunday 1 December.

London Football Awards

The London Football Awards are back for another unforgettable night, and in 2025 they will be taking place at the iconic Wembley Stadium !

?? Date: Thursday 27 February 2025

?? Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

?? Tickets: From ￡350pp or ￡3,500 for a table

Buy your tickets now and join us for an evening celebrating the best of London football across the Premier League, WSL and EFL.

Having a clear out? Willow have recently opened a new charity shop in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and need your donations. You can drop your quality clothing, accessories and bric a brac in to any of our shops or arrange a van collection. You can find your nearest store by visiting our website: https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/shops/