Willow Foundation

03/11/2026

In October, Neil took on the Royal Parks Half Marathon on behalf of Willow, running 13.1 miles through four of London's Royal Parks. We caught up with Neil to find out how the run went and his motivations for taking on the challenge.

“We all take having our freedom to spend time away with friends and family, for granted. Having that taken away from you because of a serious illness must be awful. When I discovered Willow, I realised how important that opportunity is, and so I wanted to support the charity in continuing Special Days.”

"After, I felt elated, proud, amazing, tired, aching but above all, content in knowing I had overcome a personal challenge and that I was helping people less fortunate than myself to enjoy a special day out.”

Thank you, Neil, for your incredible dedication, determination and generosity. Your support helps us continue making special memories for those who need them most. 💜

Inspired by Neil? Why not take on your own fundraising challenge for Willow ✨ Whether it's a run, walk or something completely different, we'd love to have you involved!

Find your next fundraising event here:
https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/events/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22573289415&gbraid=0AAAAApShfi1gLxb2N17T_JC_eisTIAkg3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5sioWlJ68eg5wYlyD6kU4n7JENcKZ9iS45ng2-SQl83jjWwYG1xSQaAjG1EALw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=fundraising+event&utm_id=willow+events

29/10/2026

Rowena from Chepstow in Monmouthshire had an action-packed time at Center Parcs with her husband Greg and two children on her Special Break. It was a chance for her to create new precious memories with her family, in a place special to her from her own childhood.

“Before illness I enjoyed keeping active, weight-lifting, learning new languages and spending time out and about with my family. Since I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, I have not known where to turn or what to think.

“Our Special Break allowed us to enjoy time together without thinking too much about the future. The kids especially enjoyed the swimming, water slides and a Shetland pony ride! We also took a pedalo out for a spin.”

Read Rowena’s full story on our website: https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/stories/rowena/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=rowena

Center Parcs UK

28/10/2026

Beauty Banks is a charity that believes everyone deserves to feel clean and cared for. By working with high-end brands, they help redirect surplus products to people and communities in need.

Thanks to their generosity, Willow receives luxury products which we then include in treat boxes for our beneficiaries. These donations allow us to provide an extra level of comfort, care and quality, helping make our treat boxes even more special. ✨

We’re incredibly grateful for the work Beauty Banks does and for the positive difference their donations make to our beneficiaries. Thank you for helping us bring a little extra joy to the people we support!

26/10/2026

Last week our Senior Community Fundraising Officer, Harry, went to Birmingham City University to meet Lydia, one of our beneficiaries, who went to see Wicked at the West End for her Special Day. Lydia organised a fantastic fundraising event with her colleagues in the comms team, where they wrapped books and crafted bookmarks for Special Treat boxes, hosted a bake sale, and donated clothes for our charity shops. Harry even got to spread the word about Willow at the student radio station.

Thank you so much to all the comms team at Birmingham City University for hosting such a brilliant day 💜

If you're inspired to fundraise for Willow at your workplace, email [email protected] to find out more about how we can support you.

Photos courtesy of Birmingham City University.

25/10/2026

A Night to Remember III arrived at London's Grosvenor House on Thursday, bringing together football legends, boxing personalities and supporters to raise vital funds for Willow and other charities 🥊

A huge thank you to Graham Stack, Pro Project Promotions and everyone who took part and supported the event. Together, you're helping create unforgettable memories for seriously ill young adults and their loved ones. 💜



Photography courtesy of Liam Sullivan, Brad Wilkins, Photos by Charles and Fiz Vancasso.

23/10/2026

In honour of Event Organisers’ Day, Willow would like to say a massive thank you to our incredible events team 🎉

So much of what Willow does wouldn’t be possible without this dedicated, amazing team. We’re so grateful for everything you do! 👏

22/10/2026

Today you have another chance to listen to John Wilson talking about his favourite memory of his sister, Anna, and sharing the story of one of our recent beneficiaries, Alex.

Listen to our BBC Radio 4 Appeal at 15:27 today. If you are able to donate, you will help more people like Alex have something to look forward to in the toughest times, and all gifts until we reach £15,000 will be doubled, thanks to two generous supporters: https://donatehub.co.uk/?identifier=bbcr4

21/10/2026

The nights are drawing in and it is time to order your Christmas cards.

We have nine lovely new designs available this year, along with some old favourites. Each purchase helps make more Special Days possible, so don't delay, order yours today: https://willows-shop.myshopify.com/collections/christmas-cards

21/10/2026

A huge thank you to the team at Multiplex Bankside Yards for their incredible support of Willow.

Their recent go-karting endurance race in Milton Keynes, organised with their subcontractors, raised an impressive £10,000. Combined with the £9,800 raised at their London pub quiz earlier this year, Multiplex has raised £19,800 this year alone, taking their total raised to more than £150,000 over the years.

This generosity has helped us create unforgettable Special Days for seriously ill young adults at a time when they need something positive to look forward to.

Thank you to everyone at Multiplex and to all the subcontractors who took part, donated and supported Willow. Your commitment has made a lasting difference.

18/10/2026

Today marks the start of our BBC Radio 4 Appeal, presented by broadcaster John Wilson, son of Willow’s founders, Bob and Megs Wilson.

Donations from the appeal will enable more seriously ill young adults across the UK to have a Special Day with their loved ones during the most challenging times. And thanks to two generous supporters, all donations until we reach £15,000 will be doubled, helping make even more Special Days possible.

Tune in today at 7:54 and 21:25 on BBC Radio 4 or listen anytime on our appeal page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00331qk

Please help make our appeal a success by sharing with friends and family 💜

Broadcaster John Wilson makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Willow Foundation.