Welcome to Supporting Our Local Heroes, a new series celebrating our local charities.
At the heart of this series is the aim to highlight the good deeds, kindness and support that our local charities provide to members of the community, and to raise awareness for these fantastic causes.
We are absolutely thrilled to be kickstarting this new charity focus with an interview with the wonderful Willow Foundation.
Based in Welwyn Garden City, Willow supports seriously ill 16- to 40-year-olds by providing unique and unforgettable Special Days and Special Treats. For some it gives a positive focus away from diagnosis and treatment and may be a final chance to create lasting memories. For others it marks recovery, boosting confidence and providing motivation to move forward with their lives.
We find out more…
What was the inspiration behind founding Willow?
Willow was founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter Anna, who died of cancer aged 31.
Anna battled her cancer for five years but it was during these years that she, her family and friends, experienced some of their most memorable moments together. Her self-named ‘Special Days’ became a focus for quality of time and quality of life, providing a welcome distraction from the challenging realities of living with a serious and life-threatening illness and restoring some normality back into all their lives.
Willow has aimed to replicate the benefits of Anna’s ‘Special Days’ by providing similar positive, motivating and uplifting experiences for other seriously ill young adults.
For readers who may not know Willow, what do you do?
Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. These Special Days enable them and their families to reconnect and refocus on each other while enjoying an activity of their choosing. A day for them, a day about them and a day that will create memories they will all treasure forever. Since we were founded in 1999, Willow has supported almost 19,000 seriously ill young adults.
What do you love most about your charity?
I love the fact that Willow gives people the opportunity to return some normality to their lives. For others, it is the last chance to fulfil a dream. But for all, at what is the most difficult of times, a Special Day is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it’s needed most.
Willow has fulfilled over 17,000 Special Days for young adults with life-threatening conditions, which is an incredible achievement. Can you tell us what a Special Day entails?
Willow offers three types of Special Day:
Special Day Out: this could be a day trip to a theme park, attraction, sporting event or the theatre
Special Day at Home: this could be a party, photoshoot or film night in your own home. These are particularly suitable for people who are less mobile or who are unable to easily leave home.?
Special Break: this could be an overnight stay (i.e. hotel or B&B) or a slightly longer break, for example at a holiday park.
Tell us about your new project, Special Treats.
Special Treats are personalised gift boxes filled with luxury items with a different theme for each box, including pampering, food/drink, family fun and many other ways to give a positive boost to those that need it most.
What are you most proud of when you think about what Willow has achieved?
That we have supported over 19,000 people since we were found in 1999.
What events / fundraisers do you have planned for the near future?
Upcoming events include: Trek Transylvania October 2023, Take Time for Tea 2023, and the Willow 10K in October 2023. Go to www.willowfoundation.org.uk for more details and ideas!
In what ways can the local community support Willow?
By taking part in one of our events, becoming a regular giver or planning their own fundraiser. If they work for a company, nominate us to be their Charity of choice for 2023. Whatever they chose we are here to help and support them every step of the way!
If you or someone you know would benefit from a Special Day or Special Treat, have plans to fundraise, or would like to make a donation to help provide more precious moments to those who need it most, visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk or email info@willowfoundation.org.uk.