Starbucks Birchley Green

Willow provides special experiences for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 and thier loved ones. We offer quality of time and quality of life together with the opportunity to make precious memories.. We offer four bespoke services that are tailored to the needs of our beneficiaries. We encourage imaginations to run free, creating truly personal experiences aligned to their preferences, needs and health circumstances: Special Treats and Special Days at Home are especially popular for those too unwell to participate in an experience. Delivered directly to the beneficiary, our treats are hand-picked and packed by our volunteers. Each bespoke box includes items and keepsakes to give a boost and luxury ‘me time’, whilst Special Days at Home are a range of activities supporting beneficiaries who are shielding or unable to travel organised in the comfort of their home/care setting. Special Days Out - day trips across the UK visiting a place of interest, enjoying a west end show or participating in an exhilarating activity. Special Breaks - across the UK offering much-needed R&R, or action-packed family fun. Travel bursaries and personalised extras are also included. Special experiences enable beneficiaries and their families to reconnect and refocus on each other while enjoying an activity of their choosing. Time for them, time about them and the opportunity to create memories they will all treasure forever. For some their Special experience is 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, it's a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it’s needed most. To date, Willow has provided more than 22,500 Special experieincess for young adults diagnosed with a life-threatening condition such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. Anna’s love of life and the enriching experiences of her own Special Days were the charity’s inspiration. Willow is totally reliant on the generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to fund its work.

Every year an estimated 14,000 people aged 16 to 40 are diagnosed with a life threatening or life-limiting illness in the UK*. The harsh reality of a sudden diagnosis affects young adults in a profound way. At a time when you should be at your most vibrant – going to university, building a career, raising a family, buying your first home – you find yourself focusing on treatment plans, hospital appointments or learning to accept a significantly shortened life expectancy. Beneficiaries tell us of their shock and panic when first diagnosed, the worries about long-term effects of the treatment and a real fear of what the future may hold. At such a difficult time a Special Day gives young people an escape from their illness, giving them quality time with family and friends while enjoying a day tailored just for them. The young people that we help tell us that their Special Day inspires to make every moment in life count. For some a Special Day is a positive focus away from diagnosis and treatment and marks the recovery from illness, boosts confidence and motivates young people to move forward with their lives. For others it is a final chance to create lasting memories for their – often young – families. *Source: Cancer Research UK & Willow