By Nordic Walking Watford at
Voted for by our walkers, our charity of the year for 2023 will be The Willow Foundation, based in Welwyn Garden City.
Willow was founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31.
Anna battled her cancer for five years. It was during these years that she, her family, and her friends, experienced some of their most memorable moments together.
What Anna called her ‘Special Days’ became a focus for quality of time and quality of life, providing a welcome distraction from the challenging realities of living with a life-threatening illness and restoring some normality back into all their lives.
“When we think of Anna, we think of her smiling.
She taught us that quality of life and quality of time is paramount.
Anna’s philosophy is the rock on which Willow was founded”
Every year thousands of 16-40-year-olds in the UK are newly diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. When they should be enjoying the prime of life, they’re dealing with stress, isolation, medication, and hospital appointments.
Willow believes that every moment should be precious. They are dedicated to helping young adults take much-needed time out from the reality of living with serious illness, creating magic moments that become last memories.
From Special Treats, their little boxes of joy, to Special Days at Home for all the family.
From fun-packed Special Days Out to quiet Special Breaks away from it all; a chance to meet heroes and legends or the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream.
In the toughest times, Willow create life-affirming experiences that boost morale and bring friends and families together.
Willow is the only national charity that provides uplifting, unforgettable, and unique Special Day experiences for young people aged 16 to 40 who are living with a life-threatening illness.
Every year they aim to support 1,000 young adults with life-threatening illnesses, helping them share magic moments with their loved ones and create more precious memories. In total Willow has provided over 19,000 beneficiaries with some amazing experiences.
In 2021, Willow created
We will be supporting the Willow Foundation in 2023 through our CAR BOOT CAFÉS and CHALLENGE EVENTS.
PLEASE DONATE
https://www.justgiving.com/page/nwwwillow
Please note : JustGiving page for PAPYRUS will remain open until 31/12/22
TRACY REEVE
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
NORDIC WALKING WATFORD