I have always seen cancer in people who are a lot older than me and I always had this misconception that if you were young, fit and healthy then you would be fine. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in December 2021, a few days before Christmas and a week before my 23rd birthday. Dealing with news of a cancer diagnosis and going through chemotherapy is already a challenge, but having to navigate back into normality post-treatment when you no longer feel like yourself both physically and mentality is just as hard.

Post-treatment, I received an email from The Willow Foundation offering me a Special Day. They were so supportive and understanding tailoring to my needs and ensuring that my Special Day was as unique to me as possible. It served as a nice distraction from the whirlwind of chaos that had occurred in my life a few months previously and such a memorable experience.

The Willow Foundation is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special days. Sadly for some, it's a last chance to fulfil a dream with the people that really matter. Thankfully for many more their Special Day is an important opportunity to put much-needed normality back into living.

Now that I am a year in remission and have gained my strength back slowly, I want to give back to the Willow Foundation by completing something which will be one of my biggest challenges I have completed to date. I shall be completing a five-day trek in the Southern Carpathians (also known as the Transylvanian Alps) all in aid of the Willow Foundation.

So however little your donation, you will give the chance for this amazing charity to continue to support young people like me who have gone through cancer. Thank you!