• October 5, 2015

    The cancer charities you should know about: Part 1

    It’s October, which means the focus is, rightly so, on Breast Cancer awareness, but every week this month we’re looking at the lesser-known charities that are there to help you after a cancer diagnosis. Everyone’s heard of the great work of MacMillan, Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, but what about Willow Foundation, Nicola Jane and Mummy’s Star? No? Well then, it’s time to get to know them…

    Willow Foundation

    Willow Foundation is a charity there to give you a boost. They provide Special Days for seriously ill young adults (those aged 16 to 40 inclusive) in the UK and the range of opportunities available is vast – Alton Towers, a day in a recording studio, weekend breaks and sporting events. Fiona McGill was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 2014 and was contacted by Willow about her Special Day: 

    “I’ve spent most of this year having chemotherapy at Kings Hospital. A few months ago I was put in with contact with Willow by one of the nurses who said they arrange Special Days for people like me. Willow kindly contacted me and asked what I would like to do for my Special Day. Once I gave them my suggestion of a spa day they arranged the whole day to make sure it was truly spectacular for myself and my partner,” she says.

    The fact these days can be shared with family make the experience all the better too. “It’s not only the patient that’s affected by an illness but also friends and family and Willow were able to assist with making their day memorable too. While going through chemotherapy it was great to have that spa date to look forward to and it’s a day I will never forget thanks to Willow.”

    So whether you’re a patient, carer, friend, partner, family member or just someone who posts this on Facebook – let this fantastic charity be lesser-known no more!

     

    Stephanie Bolton

    @StephanieBolton

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