Willow Foundation

Willow Foundation The UK charity helping seriously ill 16-40-year-olds create precious memories with their loved ones.
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Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged between 16 and 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, Willow is a lasting memory to their daughter Anna, who died of cancer aged 31.Each Special Day provides a positive experience to be shared with a partner, parents,

siblings, children or close friends. To date, Willow has provided more than 17,500 Special Days for young adults diagnosed with a life-threatening condition such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease.

However you choose to support Willow, you’re helping seriously ill young adults spend precious time with the people they...
06/09/2026

However you choose to support Willow, you’re helping seriously ill young adults spend precious time with the people they love. 💜

Whether you donate, fundraise, volunteer, take part in an event, shop in one of our charity shops or support Willow through your workplace, every contribution helps make Special Days possible.

The impact of that support is clear: 98% of our beneficiaries said their Special Day gave them the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones.

Thank you for helping create moments, memories and time together when it matters most.

"Everything is amazing and I am so grateful to Willow for providing this for me and other young adults who are going thr...
04/09/2026

"Everything is amazing and I am so grateful to Willow for providing this for me and other young adults who are going through serious illnesses."

27-year-old Grace from Basildon, Essex, received a Special Treat box from Willow while in the midst of treatment for ovarian cancer.

“Before I started treatment for my cancer I worked part time at a cinema and was completing a BSc in Physics.

"I feel like since my diagnosis my family have been impacted a lot too. As I have been poorly quite frequently my mum decided to get signed off work and spent every moment with me in the hospital, whether it was for an appointment, an admission or in A&E.

"Unfortunately, after my operation I have had a lot of complications and have been admitted to hospital three times. This diagnosis has taken away a lot of my independence and the ability to do things.

"I was so excited to open my Special Treat box with my mum who is also going through her own cancer journey. Everything is amazing and I am so grateful to Willow.”

To read the rest of Grace’s story, click the link below.

https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/stories/grace/

When Lydia was pregnant with her second child, she noticed a lump on her neck. After more than a year of scans, tests an...
02/09/2026

When Lydia was pregnant with her second child, she noticed a lump on her neck. After more than a year of scans, tests and surgery, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

“I had to have around six months of speech and language therapy to improve the damage that a previous surgery had done before I could have another surgery to remove the other side of my thyroid. I also had to isolate from my children for 10 days, which was the most difficult part.”

To give Lydia and her husband some much needed quality time together after everything they’d been through, Kaylee, one of our Special Days Coordinators, arranged a trip to London for the pair.

“I honestly felt undeserving of a Special Day - it made me so emotional. It was a treat that we would never have been able to do for ourselves. I’m so grateful to Willow and all the donors that made my Special Day possible. It really was special.”

A rare cancer or rare disease diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating.

This year, Willow's made sure that 275 young adults living with a rare cancer or rare disease didn't have to face that journey without support, bringing moments of joy through Special Days, breaks and treats. We're so grateful to the Alexion Charitable Foundation for helping make days like Lydia's possible.

To read more of Lydia’s story, click the link below.

https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/stories/lydia/

Did you know…🌊 Buying just one pair of jeans and a t-shirt second hand instead of new could save the equivalent of 20,00...
01/09/2026

Did you know…

🌊 Buying just one pair of jeans and a t-shirt second hand instead of new could save the equivalent of 20,000 bottles of water

👚 In the UK, 99% of a clothing item’s life is spent in the wardrobe, being worn for less than five days on average

👜 1.6 billion unused items of clothes are owned by the UK population

That’s why you should shop second hand for ! Pop into our charity shops across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire (including our new St Albans shop opening on Saturday 19 September) and bag yourself a bargain 🛍️

“We heard about the charity from our son, who was working for Willow. He started as a volunteer in the office shortly af...
30/08/2026

“We heard about the charity from our son, who was working for Willow. He started as a volunteer in the office shortly after his graduation, and then worked there for about three years in the finance department. We learnt about Willow from him, and that’s why we choose to volunteer here.

“We’re retired, and we’ve got time, so we have to spend our time. Volunteering at the shop feels very meaningful and we also get to meet more people and make new friends."

Read Annie and YS's volunteering story in full on or website: https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/stories/annie-and-ys/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=annie-and-ys

Willow Charity Shop - Welwyn Garden City Welwyn Garden City Town Centre

There are just a few days left to enter the 2026 Willow Summer Raffle! 🎟️Every £1 ticket helps seriously ill young adult...
27/08/2026

There are just a few days left to enter the 2026 Willow Summer Raffle! 🎟️

Every £1 ticket helps seriously ill young adults create precious memories with the people they love, while giving you the chance to win one of three brilliant prizes:

🥇 First Prize: A break at Center Parcs for up to four people�
🥈 Second Prize: £250 cash�
🥉 Third Prize: £100 cash

You could be enjoying a relaxing break with loved ones or spending your winnings however you choose.

Tickets are just £1, and entries close on 31 August. The draw will take place on 14 September.

Don’t miss out. Enter today using the link below.
https://fundraising.willowfoundation.org.uk/raffle/willow-summer-raffle-2026?utm_source=utm_facebook&utm_medium=utm_medium%3Dsocial&utm_campaign=last-chance&utm_id=last-chance

Your dog deserves a treat this   – why not take them to a Willow shop for a biscuit and a day out? Our shops are dog fri...
26/08/2026

Your dog deserves a treat this – why not take them to a Willow shop for a biscuit and a day out? Our shops are dog friendly and all your purchases help fund Special Days for seriously ill young adults, so it’s a win win! 🐾

A shared love of Arsenal first introduced Gary and his brother, David, to Willow’s story. Inspired by the work of Bob an...
24/08/2026

A shared love of Arsenal first introduced Gary and his brother, David, to Willow’s story.

Inspired by the work of Bob and Megs Wilson, Gary chose Willow as Reading & District Oddfellows’ charity during his 12-month term as Grand Noble, bringing members together to fundraise throughout the year.

Gary told us:

“We chose Willow for my year as, being Arsenal supporters, we had great interest in the inspirational works of Bob and Megs Wilson following the untimely passing of their daughter, Anna.”

Members raised funds through raffles, collections and events throughout the year. Following David’s passing, family and friends continued his support for Willow with a collection at his funeral.

Gary added:

“Even with his passing he was still contributing to others. We know the monies are going to the right place to be used by many who are struggling currently.”

Thank you to Gary, David and everyone at Reading & District Oddfellows for helping more seriously ill young adults create precious memories with their loved ones. 💜

Pat is part of the team at our shop in Willow Charity Shop - Letchworth Garden City where she kindly volunteers every Tu...
20/08/2026

Pat is part of the team at our shop in Willow Charity Shop - Letchworth Garden City where she kindly volunteers every Tuesday and Friday but picks up extra hours when she can.

“I used to work at other charity shops to give me a break from the caring responsibilities for my husband. I moved to Letchworth two years ago, and I came into Willow in Letchworth and got talking to the former manager. I came back into the shop to ask about volunteering opportunities and started helping out then.”

Her role in the shop has changed over time.

“I used to spend all my time sorting in the back room. Now, I’ll do the till, keep an eye on the shop, and help people out if they need it. I also put stuff out on the shop floor.”

For Pat, volunteering at Willow is something very personal.

“It’s a fantastic cause and something very close to my heart. I lost my niece at age 40, so if I can give something back in her memory, then that’s what I want to do. I also enjoy doing it, which is very important. You always get biscuits, and the team is lovely.

“You meet all different people from all walks of life, and I’ve had people come and tell me the good Willow has done for them. That’s what it’s all about, and that’s what we’re doing it for.”

Volunteers are at the heart of Willow. From supporting events to helping behind the scenes, our volunteers play a vital role in making Special Days, treats and breaks possible for seriously ill young adults across the UK. Whether you have a few hours to give or would like to get more involved, your time and energy can help create moments of joy, comfort and connection when they are needed most.

If you’re looking to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more via the link below.
https://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/volunteer/?utm_source=utm_facebook&utm_medium=utm_medium%3Dsocial&utm_campaign=patvolunteer&utm_id=patvolunteer

Address

Gate House, Fretherne Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL86NS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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