Willow Foundation

In 2019 I was admitted to hospital with a cerebral brain tumor. I  became very ill and required 3 emergency surgeries and found it almost impossible to carry out simple tasks such as walking . After 2 weeks I was released from hospital and spent the 2 months which followed waiting on a test to determine if the cause of the tumor was a genetic issue which would lead to more tumors in my life time or just spontaneous. During this time the hospital had got in contact with the Willow Foundation to organize a weekend away to London to watch Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a friend. My  special day gave me something to get excited about during a difficult time and helped to take my mind off all the scans and tests I was having, and for this I would like to repay them.

 Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill 16 to 40 year old's to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. Each day is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it is needed most.

Willow’s Special Days are so much more than just a day and their importance and impact cannot be overestimated. The Special Day provides an uplifting and positive experience to be shared with a partner, parents, siblings, children or close friends. From the moment of application and the anticipation of the day to come, to the excitement of the day itself, a Special Day creates memories that are treasured forever.

I would love to raise money for this brilliant charity after the support they have given me and so many others. I will support them by raising money as part of my Skydive in March 2021. Please help me help them by giving whatever you can using the 'Donate' button. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!

On New Year’s Day, I lost my son Liam at the tender age of 24 in a tragic road accident. At his funeral and via family and friends we will have a separate charity but so many Arsenal fans on Twitter have asked me so I am setting up a different page for Gunners.

Bob and Megs Wilson and The Willow Foundation do such excellent work with seriously ill young people. Bob has been so kind to me in supporting my books and Willow often work with Huntington's sufferers, another cause close to my family's hearts. Added to this of course are the strong links between Willow and Arsenal.

Consequently, if any Arsenal friends who know me personally and perhaps who met Liam would like to raise funds for this superb charity, in my lad’s memory then any donation will help. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Willow Foundation: Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. Each day is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it is needed most.

Dave

To raise the most money for an emergency campaign, make sure you:
Explain what happened
Describe what is needed
Do your best to estimate the costs
Explain if there are other ways you need help
Explain how soon you need the funds