Willow Foundation

“The Willow Foundation is a national charity that organises and funds special day experiences for seriously ill young adults aged 16-40 throughout the UK. In 2007 the charity fulfilled 1,054 special days for those living with life threatening conditions including cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ failure. The charity was fortunate to receive a donation of 9,000 from Oil Aid in 2007 which funded four of these morale boosting and memorable special days.

The first was for a young man who spent the weekend in London with his mum taking in all the sights, a flight on the London Eye and tickets to Phantom of the Opera in the West End. The second made a dream come true for a motor sports mad young man when he not only met his hero Damon Hill but also experienced a 200 mph ride of his life in a two-seater F1 racing car with former Formula One Champion at the wheel. The final two days were both aimed at providing some relaxation following intensive treatment – one to Cornwall including a romantic meal at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Padstow and the other to Sherwood Forest where the recipient and his young family enjoyed a much needed break at Centre Parcs.

“We can never thank you enough for our trip. After the difficult time we have been through for the past few months it was nice to celebrate the end of my treatment in such a wonderful way. It was a weekend we will never forget – we had an absolute ball,”

“I cannot find the words to express my heartfelt gratitude for all you have done for me and my family and for the memories we have to treasure. I was waiting for some scan results around the time of my special day and I can honestly say that I was so excited I didn’t worry about them one bit.

“Padstow will now always hold special memories as the trip came at the end of a difficult year. Words cannot express our thanks.

“It was really fantastic, memories that we will treasure forever. Thank you,”

In 2008 the Willow Foundation aims to fulfill 1,250 special days. It is the only UK charity that provides quality of life and quality of time through the provision of special days in this age range and across all life threatening conditions. On behalf of all those at the charity and all those who have benefited from the generosity of Oil Aid 2007 – our heartfelt thanks and appreciation”.