Work In Progress

Becoming a recording star for the day was a dream come true for Sam.

Budding star Sam spent a day at Orchard Recording Studio in Cheshire where she performed her favourite Mariah Carey song 'Hero' with her parents by her side. With a video recording and a CD as a memento of her day, Sam can look back fondly on her fifteen minutes of fame.

To round off the memorable day, Sam was whisked off in a limousine with a bottle of bubbly to enjoy a meal with her family.

"I can't explain how fantastic my time at the studios was. Thank you for giving me this amazing day" said Sam.

Celebrity treatment all the way, Zoe had a wonderful weekend in London with her husband Garry and son Zac. Staying at the cool and contemporary Cumberland Hotel the family enjoyed every minute. VIP tickets for the London Eye meant no queues and they saw the famous sights of London on a clear and bright day.

The family ate a scrumptious meal before heading to the Palace Theatre to see Monty Python's Spamalot Show, which they described as "better than they could have imagined, viewed from perfect seats".

Zoe, Garry and Zac had time to look around the Natural History Museum before the wonderful weekend came to an end.

"For a whole weekend Zoe was able to forget about being unwell and enjoy a stress free, fun weekend with her loved ones. As a loving close family of three, time spent together is so precious to us. The Willow Foundation has given us such a precious memory. Words cannot express how grateful we are to you all"

The "best day of my life" is how Ian described his special day when he met his football heroes at the Arsenal training ground. Ian met Bob and Megs Wilson, along with manager Arsene Wenger and other players. Joined by his dad Russell and sister Katy, the family had a wonderful day.

It was a truly magical experience for Ivan when he saw Wagner's Parsifal at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden. Joined by his partner Brent, the pair met the stars of the show, Petra Lang and Bernard Haitink.

Staying in a beautiful hotel overlooking the River Thames, avid opera fans Ivan and Brent enjoyed every minute of their VIP treatment, quaffing champagne in beautiful surroundings at the home of opera. The treat of meeting world famous stars, Petra Lang and Bernard Haitink, was a dream come true.

"There are not enough words in all the languages of the world combined to express to you and the Willow Foundation what this day meant to me. When I think what I enjoyed, what a difference it has made to my life experience, and when I think that all this was done for me for free on a charitable basis by people who do not even know me, have never met me, and owe me nothing, then I become quite emotional. To think that there is such charity and goodwill in the world is very, very touching and inspiring" said Ivan.

Motorsport competitor Mike was treated to a once in a lifetime experience when he was driven in a two seater F1 Masters car by Damon Hill. Mike made it round five laps of the circuit at Silverstone at speeds of nearly 200mph.

"I cannot find the words to express my heartfelt gratitude for all you have done for me - we all have a memory to treasure. It was a dream come true. You and your colleagues at the Willow Foundation truly are angels" said Mike.

Meeting her idols, pop band McFly, was a magical treat for Michaela of County Down. Hugs, autographs and gifts were in abundance.

17-year-old Michaela met Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry at their concert at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. The boys greeted her with cuddles and kisses and spent time chatting and laughing. Michaela made such an impression that band member Danny threw a teddy bear to her in the crowd at the end of the show as a memento.

"All four boys were lovely, they gave me a laugh and pick-up, something which I needed after being sick off and on all year" said Michaela. "Thank you so much, I really could not have dreamt I would be given such an amazing and uplifting night. I have achieved my goal and it was better than I could have ever imagined" added Michaela.

Steam train enthusiast Paul enjoyed a magical day on the Orient Express with his wife Diane.

Picked up from home by a chauffeur the couple were taken to London's Victoria station for the Bath Day Excursion on the world famous Orient Express.

The luxury trip on a beautiful steam train included a delicious brunch before arriving in historical Bath for a tour of the city. On the journey home the couple were treated to champagne and a four-course dinner. On arriving back at Victoria station, their chauffeur was waiting to take them home in style.

"Thank you so much - the train was amazing! It certainly gave us something to smile about and something to remember always. Paul has had to go through hell and back while going through chemotherapy so having this special day really did make him feel 'special' " said Diane.

Kewcha enjoyed an extra special day as she celebrated her birthday with family and friends.

Joined by her mum Bernadette and eight others, the group where whisked off in a limo and enjoyed a glass of bubbly on the journey. Starting her day with a beautiful basket of flowers, Kewcha had a fantastic time at the Caribbean restaurant in London.

"Thank you for all your efforts, support and organisation of my special day. When I completed my application I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would come across such caring and devoted people like you. This birthday was a double celebration for me now that I am cancer free, and you have made it a memorable one that I will cherish forever" said Kewcha.

Flying in to Newquay, Gill enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Cornwall. Joined by her husband Phil, the couple stayed in the peaceful seaside village of St Mawes. Staying in a picturesque hotel overlooking the sea Gill and Phil made the most of the rest and relaxation. Rounding off the trip they spent a day at the breathtaking Eden Project and were even lucky enough to get some sunshine.

"Thank you for giving us this special time together - it was much appreciated and something we will always remember" said Gill.

Sadly Gill passed away after her special time in Cornwall.