Willow News - October edition

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we would like to share Louise's story with you. Louise is currently receiving treatment for terminal breast cancer and asked for Willow's help in arranging a christening for her children as a Special Day.

People living with breast cancer make up one of the largest groups of beneficiaries that we support at Willow but our support extends to other 16 to 40-year-olds with a variety of life-threatening illnesses. You can find out more about the ways we're helping our beneficiaries, and how you can get involved, below.

Louise's Special Day

Louise, 41, from Lincolnshire is receiving treatment following her secondary breast cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed while pregnant with her fourth child and gave birth at 36 weeks so that she could start chemotherapy treatment. For her Special Day, Willow helped organise a christening for Louise's two youngest children.

“In early 2023, two weeks after finding out I was pregnant, I discovered a pea-sized lump in my breast. At first, I was told it was likely pregnancy related but come April, I had two large lumps. Following a scan and biopsy, I received the devastating news that I had breast cancer. It is the last thing you expect to be told when you are pregnant.

"I managed to deliver my beautiful Suzy on 8 August via induction. Those precious moments that should have been spent with my newborn were taken from me as I embarked on the rollercoaster of chemo when she was just two weeks old. Unbeknown to me, the cancer had already spread to my lungs making it stage 4.

"When I found out I was terminal, it kick started me into making as many memories as possible with my friends and family.

"My Special Day really reminded me just how much love and support there is around me and for that I am eternally grateful."

"I was told about Willow through one of the nurses involved in my care. I wanted a Special Day with friends and family there to celebrate life. It was a huge relief to know that I had Willow’s support to organise the day, take pressure off me and let me enjoy it. We held the christening in our local village and had coach loads of people turning up, which was overwhelmingly positive for me. We had lots to celebrate that day. I will remember that forever, we all will."

An update on our treat boxes

Following last month's update on the importance of delivering treat boxes to those in need, we are pleased to share that we have now moved our Special Treats service in-house.

With the generous support of a team of volunteers, we are now able to deliver bespoke boxes, filled with luxurious pamper products, sensory items, and memory-making activities, all from the Willow office.

Since making this transition, the team have been able to deliver over 200 treat boxes to young adults undergoing treatment for a range of different conditions.

Feedback on our services

In order to deliver unforgettable experiences to our beneficiaries, Willow works closely with a team of medical professionals. We recently heard from Jane Kean who has been referring her patients for Special Days for over 10 years.

“Willow makes a huge and positive difference on so many different levels to patients and their families. Due to the financial burden of their illness, patients are often not able to fund their Special Day themselves, hence Willow is a lifeline to them.

"I cannot over stress the impact this makes. It is not only something to look forward to but often it gives patients some control back over their lives, giving them choice and in turn improving their emotional wellbeing.

"The illness takes its toll on not just the individual but the whole family, the stress of which can put a strain on even loving relationships. The joy the individual and their family experience will last in their hearts and memories forever and is such a precious time."

Introducing our newest ambassador

We are excited to announce Southampton FC and England goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, as the latest ambassador to join Team Willow!

Aaron has been a keen supporter of Willow in recent years, attending several events, including the Willow Golf Classic earlier in 2024, and helping to provide special experiences for some of our beneficiaries. He was also awarded Goalkeeper of the Year at the 2022/23 London Football Awards.

We are honoured to have Aaron's support in helping more seriously ill young adults to create memories with their loved ones.

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.