As most of you will know, in March 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25. My life turned upside down and instead of being a head-strong, determined mid-twenties woman I became a cancer patient, thrown into countless hospital appointments, medication, injections, surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts of keeping my normality, it is quite frankly impossible and you just live from appointment to appointment and it is very easy to get into survival mode, rather than living your life. However, about halfway through my treatment my breast care nurse told me about Willow Foundation.

Willow believe in quality of life and quality of time. Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. This year they hope to fulfil 1,400 Special Days – a day to anticipate, to share and to remember when happy memories really do count. 

For my Special Day I asked to see Adele. I genuinely didn't know if it would even be possible but somehow they managed it! I got great seats to her London concert (thankfully not one of the ones she cancelled!) with my sister, and they even covered all my transport (including taxis around London as the tube is a risk when you're having chemo) and accommodation. It was honestly one of the best days of my life. I got to sing my heart out and spend quality time with my sister doing something that didn't involved sitting in a chemo chair!

I remember at the time I vowed to try and raise the money to repay them for their kindness. I really cant stress how uplifting it is to have something to think about that occurred during that period of my life that wasn't just about having cancer. The difference Willow make to so many people is immeasurable. The memories last a lifetime.

So this year I am running the London Marathon (after a moment of madness when I entered). I am not a runner by any stretch, but I am training hard and would love to reach the finish line! Who knows, maybe after all the training I will end up loving running (doubt it).

Cover photo © Matthew Pover