The Willow Foundation is a UK based charitable organisation that arranges 'special days' for seriously and terminally ill young adults to give them something to enjoy again for now as well as an escape from the day to day pressures they experience and special memories for the future.

Why Willow?

After the sad loss of their daughter Anna, TV presenter and Ex goalkeeper for Arsenal and Scotland Bob Wilson and his wife Meg decided to found the Willow Foundation in her memory. After a 5 year long battle with the very rare form of cancer, malignant schwannoma, Anna died in 1999, shortly before her 32nd birthday. The name 'Willow' had been Anna's nickname by her father as a child.

"Special days returned the smile to Anna's face at a time when her life had taken a very different path to that of her peers. We knew that if special days worked for her, they would work for others living with similar pressures - returning some normality to lives and creating precious memories for the future."

Inspired by seeing Anna's spirits lifted by special treats and days out, as well as her pain seemingly reduced by something to look forward to, Bob and Meg decided to try and do the same for other seriously ill young adults. A special day can be anything of the applicants choosing from a day at a spa to seeing their favourite star in concert. Family and friends are encouraged to join in too and the foundation aim to make each special day one to truly remember.

A fellow researcher for H2G2 had a special day with the Willow Foundation in 2007. She and her sister were collected by limosine and taken to london to have a make over at a top salon followed by a concert by one of her favourite stars Justin Timberlake, including tickets to a back stage party. She has also had the oppurtunity to meet and thank Bob and Meg personally at one of the foundations fun raising days.

Fundraising and Events

Bob and Meg have taken more of a backseat since 2003 but are still very actively involved as trustees and in fundraising events and activities.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the day to day running of the foundation doing everything from administration to ocassionally helping out on a special day. There are also community events from black tie balls to raffles and cake stalls organised to raise funds and organising your own event is actively encouraged.