Willow News - September edition

Did you know that Willow offers more than Special Days? In recent years, we have expanded our services to include bespoke treat boxes, filled with a selection of thoughtful gifts.

In this month’s newsletter, we hear from the mum of William, who received his own box via our partnership with Haven’s Hospice. We also share some of the ways you can get involved below.

William's treat box

Sixteen-year-old William from Essex lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Through our partnership with Haven’s Hospice, William was referred to Willow for a personalised treat box, containing some of the things he enjoys. William’s Mum shares her feedback:

“I really don't know quite what to say. We've never been nominated for anything before or received anything quite like this. William hasn’t been feeling well since the school holidays started so this really was a heart warmer.

His elder sister remarked just how spot on you got it for someone who is so tricky to buy gifts for, and how everything felt so lovely. Thank you so much for thinking of us.”

Promoting our treat boxes

One of Willow's ambitions is that medical teams working with seriously ill young adults are aware of the range of support we can provide their patients.

Our nurses have been busy promoting Willow treat boxes to medical referrers across the UK and have reached out to palliative care units, hospices, renal units, transplant centres, those supporting people with rare diseases and Maggie’s centres.

Feedback from the promotion has been positive, including from the parent of a young adult living with Rett syndrome who told us, “It's wonderful to see a charity supporting adults in this way. Adults with a serious illness and/or disability tend to become invisible to society.”

Keep an eye out for further updates on our Special Treats in upcoming newsletters.

Take Time to Remember

Our new campaign, Take Time to Remember, gives you the opportunity to commemorate the lives of people who are no longer with us, while raising money for Willow.

Remembering a loved one is deeply personal, and there can be many meaningful ways to honour their legacy. Whether you choose to host a dinner with their favourite foods, share their beloved stories, or gather to look at photos and reminisce, these moments are opportunities to celebrate their life.

By collecting donations at your event, your memories can support seriously ill young adults to create their own special memories with loved ones. You will also be given a special opportunity to name a star for your loved one - a unique and lasting tribute that will shine forever in their memory.

Learn more about Take Time to Remember via our website

PayPal Giving

Do you use PayPal?

Remember to select Willow as your chosen charity. Whenever you checkout, you will be offered the chance to make a small donation to us and help make a big difference to the lives of seriously ill young adults.

A massive thank you to PayPal for this opportunity.

Willow Comedy Night

We are thrilled to welcome Tom Rosenthal to the Willow family as our newest ambassador!

Tom has been a great supporter of Willow for many years and is once again curating our comedy night in 2024. Tickets are limited so book now to join us for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment, headlined by Alan Davies.

?? Date: Tuesday 24 September 2024

?? Venue: Comedy Store, Leicester Square

?? Tickets: ￡25

Visit the Willow website to buy tickets for our Comedy Night

Have you shared our newsletter with colleagues? We would love to hear from anyone looking to help more people make precious memories with loved ones. Please share these monthly updates with your team and contact [email protected] if you would like to find out more about any of the opportunities available.