newsThe magazine for supporters of national charity, Willow
2015 issue 26
Special Days you helped create in 2014
Legacies - leaving a gift to Willow
Get ready to Paint the UK Purple
“Willow helped me to lift my spirits and to come to
terms with my illness.”Read JJ’s story inside
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and read our blog at willowfoundation.org.uk/blog
Whatever you choose to do to support Willow, we want to hear about it! Tweet us your cake bakes, running selfies, quiz nights and more @Willow_Fdn
Cancer treatment is a long, drawn out, gruelling process. At such a difficult time it makes a huge difference to have something positive to look forward to. My Special Day, a trip to see Wicked The Musical in London with my fiancé Mike, provided us both with the boost we needed. The difference that one day made to our spirits was amazing.
Since receiving the all clear I have taken part in the Willow 10K. I encouraged colleagues to join me and together we raised £2,500. I was so proud to be part of Willow’s record breaking event. I’m already in training for one of this year’s challenges (p10), will you join me? For my less fitness-enthused friends I’m going to suggest they throw a Take Time for Tea party (p6). It’s a great excuse to get together, catch up and raise money for a terrific cause.
Special Days are such positive experiences. They touch the lives of so many people
across the UK; seriously ill young adults and their loved ones. On behalf of all Willow beneficiaries I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supports the charity. This includes very special people such as Lara who chose to leave a lasting gift in her Will (p8). A gift that will help ensure more seriously ill young adults can experience a Special Day. Please keep supporting Willow in whatever way you can (p12-13), it really does make a huge difference to so many lives.
RachelSpecial Day Beneficiary & Fundraiser
Welcome My name is Rachel and I am delighted to introduce this edition of Willow News. I had a Special Day four years ago. I’m now in remission and very proud to be able to give something back to this fantastic charity.
Front cover: JJ has bone cancer, read his story on p14.
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.
@Sisteris“We had a great day with #StarsOnCanvas @Willow_Fdn @GordonRamsay @cesc4official & @BobWilsonBWSC in #RegentStreet.”
@charlieelwright “Reflecting on my year & realising that having cancer gave me purpose, focus, determination & a whole new family @Willow_Fdn #Positives”
@Runningmile “Back to training next week, start racking up those miles for the Half Marathon in June. Can’t wait. Raising money for the @Willow_Fdn again.”
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For those living with a serious illness, every day deserves to be treated as special. However, the pressures of diagnosis, treatment and recovery can be overwhelming. Willow is a national charity that aims to redress the balance by providing unique and unforgettable Special Days for those living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ failure. Every day is unique and focuses on providing quality of life for the individual and their families at the most difficult of times. To date, Willow has fulfilled more than 11,000 Special Days. In 2015 we will fund and organise a further 1,100 Special Days. We can only continue to offer Special Days thanks to your support.
Special Days you helped to create in 2014
To donate visit willowfoundation.org.uk/donate. You can choose a one off amount or sign up to a regular donation which will help ensure the charity can plan Special Days for the future.
2014 Special Days included
672 Family Days which included short breaks to holiday parks, theme parks and city and seaside breaks. Fact: 909 children accompanied their parents on Special Days.
100 Cultural Days which included tickets to concerts, festivals and the theatre plus Orient Express experiences. Fact: The Lion King is the most popular West End show.
68 Culinary Days which included family parties at home and in restaurants. Fact: 41 London restaurants hosted Special Days.
70 Pampering Days which included trips to spas. Fact: 126 treatments were enjoyed by beneficiaries on their Special Days.
97 Sporting Days which include tickets to football, rugby, cricket, tennis matches and driving experiences. Fact: 37 adrenalin fuelled Special Days took place in 2014.
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For a family facing a heart breaking future, Special Days have provided wonderful memories of happy and carefree times.Tracey and Mick talked to us about what Special Days have meant to their family…
All three of our children were diagnosed with the same condition, spinocerebellar ataxia. Our eldest daughter, Kayleigh, died at just 20 years old after battling this debilitating condition. At the time she was ill, we didn’t know about Willow.
As our middle child Sarah’s condition worsened, my husband learned of Willow. It was wonderful to hear that there were people who were there to help with the positive things, not just to deal with Sarah’s medical needs.
At the time, Sarah was suffering with acute autonomic neuropathy, which meant her nervous system was shutting down. Sarah was just 22, wheelchair bound,
fed through a tube, had severe learning disabilities and required 24-hour care.
It gave us the chance to wind downWhen we heard Sarah was eligible for a Special Day, we decided to do something that would help us forget the day-to-day stresses and provide us with the quality time we craved as a family. So we chose to go to Butlins. Because of Sarah’s illness and the difficulties with transporting equipment, medication, etc, a day trip just wouldn’t have been possible.
The short stay at Butlins gave us all a chance to really wind down.
The look on Sarah and her brother Michael’s faces when
SPECIAL DAY STORY4
we arrived were a picture; they were so excited. Because the children were having so much fun, we were able to relax.
At home Sarah often stayed in bed all day because of the pain but on the trip the excitement took over and she was out of bed by 8.30am, doing things that she would never normally be comfortable doing.
The staff were so great and treated Sarah like a VIP; it made the whole experience even more special. We saw a Christmas pantomime during our stay and a Winter Wonderland show. It was really fun packed and kept Sarah distracted from the pain.
Sarah’s health deteriorated over the next year and she sadly passed away less than 12 months after her Special Day. The happy memories of the trip stayed with Sarah to the end and the photos still make us smile.
Making plansHaving had three children with varying levels of disability, our main priority has always been to provide them with quality of life whenever we can. So for our children, and for us as a whole family, to benefit from a Special Day is just wonderful.
We now focus all our energies on Michael whose condition has begun to deteriorate. At 28 he is wheelchair bound, has severe learning difficulties and major nursing needs. We are now making plans for Michael’s Special Day. With his disabilities limiting him to the house much of the time, he lives for his favourite TV shows including X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. Our hope is that on his Special Day Michael will be able to watch one of his favourite shows live.
Some much needed happinessWillow always pull out all the stops and we know Michael will get an experience to remember. But it’s not just about the day itself – it’s so much more. As soon as we filled out the application, the excitement started. Having a date in the diary is so exciting and will put a smile on Michael’s face. Just like Sarah’s Special Day, the mementos and photos after the day mean the smile will continue. Just like the Butlins trip, Michael will want to tell all his friends and staff at the hospice – it’ll give him a real buzz, and some much needed happiness in what is otherwise a really tough life for him.
For us as parents, to make our child smile is a precious gift. Willow has already had a huge impact on our family, and continues to do so. We know the magic of a Special Day will have a similar effect on the lives of other families living with the difficult realities of serious illness.
Thank you for supporting Willow.
For information on how to apply for a Special Day or donate call 01707 259 777 or visit willowfoundation.org.uk
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Take Time for Tea in 2015Fancy holding your own event in aid of Willow? With Summer only a few months away it’s the ideal time to start planning a Take Time for Tea party.
Emma had a Special Day in 2011 and held a tea party for Willow last Summer: “My neighbours and friends helped me to organise a vintage tea party on our village green. We played 40s/50s music and dressed for the part; everyone had a wonderful afternoon. Willow is a very special charity and close to my heart. Willow sent me and my family on a Special Day whilst I was going through treatment for cancer, so this was a wonderful way to enable us to give back and ensure others can also benefit from this amazing charity.”
To download your Take Time for Tea party pack and start planning please visit willowfoundation.org.uk/tea
Make Willow part of your special dayDo you have a birthday, anniversary or wedding coming up? Why not ask loved ones to help donate the gift of a Special Day as an alternative to traditional gifts? We can provide donation envelopes, leaflets, balloons and banners. We also offer Willow wedding favours so you can thank your guests in a unique way.
Katie (pictured below) got married last year. They chose to support Willow on their wedding day. “There was no question that we wanted to donate money to Willow for our wedding favours. The charity gave me my Special Day back in 2008 and I wanted to make sure Willow was part of mine and Mike’s special day.”
How you can makeSpecial Days a reality
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support of Willowattended events
raising funds for Willow
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In 2014...
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Shop OpeningFebruary saw the opening of our very first charity shop in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. A big thank you goes to our new team of shop volunteers and to all who have donated goods so far. If you would like to help, please visit willowfoundation.org.uk/shop
LeeStock Music Festival Scouting For Girls are headlining this summer’s LeeStock festival on 23 & 24 May in Suffolk. Tickets are available from leestock.org. To date, the festival has raised more than £50,000 in Lee’s memory.
Blog launch We’re delighted to tell you we’ve launched our very own Willow blog. If you would like to be a guest blogger we would love to hear your story. Check it out at willowfoundation.org.uk/blog
Rugby Captains DinnerLegendary captains of the winning World Cup teams will come together to host an exclusive dinner in London on 16 September. With insights into the upcoming World Cup and highlights of their amazing careers, it is a once in a lifetime sporting experience. You can find
out about all of our events at willowfoundation.org.uk. If you are considering hosting your own Rugby World Cup themed event download our handy fundraising pack at willowfoundation.org.uk/rugby
Folk by the OakTop folk band, Bellowhead, will headline the festival on 19 July at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. When booking tickets use code WILLOWOAK15 for a £2 discount AND £2 will be donated to Willow too. Visit willowfoundation.org.uk/folkbytheoak
Spring RaffleCongratulations to David Seymour from Kent, who won £1,000 in our 15th anniversary raffle. This year we have more opportunities to win £1,000 with more raffles across the year. Spring tickets now available for £1 each. Email [email protected] or call Lucy on 01707 259 777 for tickets. Good luck!
Special Days a realityWillow RoundupThe next few months are packed with exciting events and developments. For details on all activities visit willowfoundation.org.uk
Win £25,000: For £1 a week be in with the chance to win £25,000 with the Willow lottery. Money raised will make more Special Days a reality. Sign up at willowfoundation.org.uk/lottery
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One way you can help to create uplifting and unforgettable Special Days is by leaving a gift to Willow in your Will. Lara, a Willow beneficiary, chose to donate money in her Will in a desire for others to benefit from a Special Day. She sadly passed away aged 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Lara’s father Roy, told us of his daughter’s illness, her strength of character and her wishes.When Lara’s friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, she encouraged her friends to get themselves checked. It was the result of this screening that uncovered Lara’s breast cancer which, with no symptoms at all, was already at an advanced stage. She was 38.
A fiercely independent young woman, Lara lived a very full life, travelling and working in South and Central America.
Two years after returning to London came the diagnosis. She was thrown in to a life of aggressive treatment – surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The hospital routine was relentless. She continued to work for six months until her symptoms took over and made it impossible. The cancer had now spread to her bones.
A much needed breakAlongside the conventional treatment, Lara tried countless alternative therapies. This gave her a much needed break from the invasive treatment and endless appointments. This included her Willow Special Day – an overnight stay, theatre and a meal in London with her good friend Hannah, also living with breast cancer.
Lara’s Special Legacy8
“The distraction from illness and a chance to laugh was enormously therapeutic, bringing some joy to an otherwise very difficult time. Lara and I talked a lot about that day. It now has a special poignancy for me because it helps me remember Lara being happy and enjoying herself.” Hannah
As Lara’s condition deteriorated, she made plans for the end of her life. Ever organised and independent, Lara arranged her funeral and even a party at her flat after she’d died. Testament to the positive impact of her Special Day, Lara left a donation to Willow in her Will.
Her family only learned of the charitable donations in her Will after her death, but they weren’t surprised. They knew how much the charities who supported her during her illness had meant to Lara.
Thanks to Lara’s legacy, Special Days will continue to touch the lives of those who need it most.
Every year 14,000 young adults are diagnosed with a serious illness. With your help Willow aims to be able to offer a Special Day to each and every one of them.
If you would like to find out more about leaving a legacy in your Will, please email [email protected] or call 01707 259 777 for a free information booklet.
Testament to the positive impact of her Special Day, Lara left a donation to Willow in her Will.
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Liam – one challenge is never enough!“I raise money for Willow because they did such a terrific job of looking after my sister and her family. It is such a great charity so I will be doing as much as I can – the Coast 2 Coast cycle ride, Leeds 10K, Leeds Xtramile Triathlon, Yorkshire 3 Peaks (twice), Ben Nevis and the Abbey Dash.”
Charlotte – Great North Swim”When I was a teenager, my auntie died rather unexpectedly. At her funeral I remember our family being comforted by her friend Anna [Bob and Megs Wilson’s daughter and the inspiration for Willow’s Special Days]. I’m raising money for Willow as a thank you to Anna.”
Feeling inspired? Whether you’re a keen cyclist, budding triathlete or just want to get outdoors and active with your friends this Summer, we have Willow challenges to suit everyone!
Take on our Will of Iron triathlon, in the gym or outdoors, solo or as part of a team. Simply complete it over seven consecutive days. Sign up today at willofiron.org
were covered by Willow challengers last year. That’s the equivalent of going round the globe with a few thousand miles to spare.
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Challenge Events 2015Will of Iron, Here, there & everywhere! 2-8 MayHertfordshire 100 cycle, Stanborough Park, Hertfordshire 10 MayGreat Manchester Run, Manchester 10 MayWillow Warrior, Elm Park, Essex 14 JuneRide London 100, London 2 AugustWillow 10K, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire 4 OctoberRoyal Parks Half Marathon, London 11 October
You can join Team Willow right now, simply visit willowfoundation.org/challenge or email [email protected] to find out more.
ChALLENgE NEWS
“In September 2014, we put together a team to take on the Tough Mudder course in Cholmondeley, raising funds for Willow. The charity had fulfilled a Special Day for my sister, Joanna, when she attended the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone in June 2013. Sadly Joanna passed away less than two weeks later at the age of 32. We wanted to say thank you as well as make
another Special Day possible for another seriously ill young person,” Dan tells us.
Are you ready to get muddy? Register today for Willow Warrior, the charity’s very own muddy challenge at wilowfoundation.org. uk/willowwarrior
Michael hughes, Daniel Jennings, gary Powell, Kathryn Connoly, gemma Lockett, Paul Lockett, Daniel Allen and David Pritchard took on...
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We think you’re all aMazIng!We are continually overwhelmed by everything our supporters do to help make Special Days happen. here are just a few of the ways you have supported us in the last few months.
Volunteers raised over £1,200 for Special Days at the Arsenal Foundation’s charity bucket collection at the Emirates Stadium
Steve Whittaker was one of 37 Willow runners who completed last year’s London Marathon
Arsenal vs Spurs golf Day at East hertfordshire golf Club
Staff and volunteers got creative and donated handmade gifts for our stall at the hatfield house Frost Fair in November
Staff from Hertfordshire law firm, Debenhams Ottaway,
formed a team and ran the Willow 10K in October
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Want to appear on this page? Send your stories and pictures to [email protected]
Richard, Kerrie, Chip, Brett, nicole and Mick took part
in the Votwo Triathlon at Dorney Lake in June 2014
Charity golf Day in Bristol – an amazing £30,000 was raised by long term
supporters Roger Riggs and Dave Timmins. (l-r) Roger Riggs, Bob Wilson, Bobby gould,
Peter Aitken, Jonny Briggs and Dave Timmins
Nick Paul took on a whopping 14 challenges in 2014 and has raised more than £10,000 for Willow
We could not make Special Days happen without our fabulous team of office volunteers, including Brian
“Despite the driving rain and wind, Ride London was an amazing experience which allowed us to make a difference to Willow.” Paul and gary raised more than £11,000 for Willow in Ride London 2014
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I joined the Royal Navy when I was 20. Whilst I was away I would miss my fiancée, family and friends a lot so I tried to spend quality time with them when I was at home, in Yorkshire. Time with my fiancée, Sam, is always precious but my brothers and sisters are a big part of my life too. Coming home to them always puts a smile on my face.
While away in May 2013, I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in my arm called Ewing’s Sarcoma. It totally destroyed me. As soon as I was told I started phoning home to let my family know. Calling to tell them I had cancer was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
I tried to fight itThe next day, I started three weeks of tests and scans ready for treatment. I had three major operations, eight cycles of intense chemotherapy, six cycles of sweep-up chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy. I was ecstatic when they gave me the all-clear last August, but that was short-lived. Just one month later my world was turned upside down again – the cancer had come back and was now terminal.
I found out about Willow from my social worker. It was at a time when I was at my lowest. Knowing that I could not be cured
and having to go through chemotherapy every day to try and contain the cancer, I started to feel very low and unwell. Sam and I had made plans to spend New Year’s Eve in London, so I applied to Willow to ask if we could make it a trip to remember. Willow made all the arrangements for us to see a West End theatre show, to see the sights and to have a lovely dinner.
Something to focus onIt was just what we needed. Having my Special Day to look forward to gave me something to focus on and this helped me a lot. We had a great time together, laughing and enjoying being out as a young couple. When we got back from London, I felt refreshed and like my old happy self. I was feeling positive about 2015.
Willow helped me to lift my spirits and come to terms with my illness. We are so very grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to start to make lasting memories that we will always treasure.
JJ is 23 and has bone cancer. he wanted his Special Day to help provide something positive to focus on and to kick start the New Year.
SPECIAL DAY STORY
Contact our team today to learn more about how you can raise funds for days like JJ’s. Call 01707 259 777 or visit willowfoundation.org.uk
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From 15 to 21 June 2015, all across the UK, people are uniting in their support for Willow; creating something purple, raising funds and spreading the word about our work. Will you join them and help make more Special Days happen?
Here are a few ideas to get you started: At School - hold a purple dress-down day, a purple themed quiz, or give your prom a purple theme.
At Work - run a purple bake sale, a purple themed raffle or auction of promises.
At Home - throw a purple dinner party, sell Willow’s raffle tickets to friends and
family, or if you’re brave enough dye your hair purple for sponsorship!
In your Local Area - organise a street collection in your nearest town or place Willow’s collection tubs in local businesses.
…or get creative and find your own way to Paint it Purple!
Hole in one fundraisingAre you a keen golfer? Could you organise your own charity golf fundraising event? Paddy Gorman holds an annual event every year in memory of his brother Eamon who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 33 and had a Special Day. Paddy told us: “Since Eamon passed away in 2011, I have continued to raise money for Willow by holding a charity golf day at Breedon Priory Golf Club for friends and colleagues of Eamon’s. We get together to remember him, enjoy a day of golf and help raise money for a great cause.”
Volunteer your supportDon’t forget that all of our volunteering opportunities are updated regularly. Check out willowfoundation.org.uk/volunteering to find out how you can get involved.
Get involved by contacting the fundraising team via email at [email protected] or by phone on 01707 259 777.
Join the nation and help Paint the UK Purple
Buy a Red Letter Days Experience in one
of the designated red boxes between 4
and 11 May 2015 and Willow will receive
a donation on each order. To book your
experience, go to redletterdays.co.uk
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I would like to make a donation of £10 £15 £25 £50 £100 Other £ (Please enclose a cheque or complete credit card details below).
I would like to commit to a regular donation of £ per month/quarter/year (delete as appropriate). We will send you a form to complete.
I would like to receive information about leaving a gift in my Will.
How did you hear about Willow?
Had a Special Day Attended an event Friend/family member has had a Special Day.If friend/family member please write their name here:
Other (please state)
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Telephone Email By providing your email and/or telephone details you are agreeing for Willow to contact you in the future with updates on our work and activities. You can change this at any time by contacting us at the address below.
Please choose one of the payment methods below: 1. Please enclose a cheque or CAF cheque (made payable to ‘Willow Foundation’), call 01707 259 777 to donate over the telephone or visit willowfoundation.org.uk/donate2. Card payment (Card must be registered at the address above)Name on card
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Please treat all gifts of money I have made in the past four years and all future gifts of money I make from the date of this declaration to Willow Foundation as Gift Aid donations.I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for the current tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given.
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What a difference a donation makes
Freepost, RLYY-XLHH-LJHU, Willow, Willow House, 18 Salisbury Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5BET. 01707 259 777 F. 01707 259 289 E. [email protected] W. willowfoundation.org.uk
