Willow Foundation
The Willow Foundation is a national charity established in 1999 by Arsenal footballer and BBC sports commentator Bob Wilson and his wife Megs as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. It is the only national charity to provide psychological and emotional support for seriously ill 16- to 40-year-olds through the provision of special day experiences.
Every special day aims to provide beneficiaries and their loved ones with a break from the realities of their diagnosis and treatment and the inspiration to make the most out of life. At a time of uncertainty, spending quality time with family and friends can help restore a sense of normality, boost confidence and create precious memories for the future.
To date, Willow has provided more than 9,500 special days for young adults living with life-threatening conditions including cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. 2013 will see the 10,000th Special Day that Willow has been privileged to provide. The importance of having something positive to look forward to at such a difficult time cannot be overestimated and provides memories and motivation for the beneficiaries and those close to them.
The charity receives no government or lottery funding and is totally reliant on the generosity of individuals, companies and trusts to fund its work. Among donors and supporters have been Pat Jennings OBE KSG, Natasha Kaplinsky, DJ Tim Westwood [1] and Bob Finch and Michael Holland's Oil Aid.[2]
Stars on Canvas
Stars on Canvas was a high profile charity event held in December 2008 and again in 2010 involving numerous famous celebrities, sports personalities, artists, actors and comedians. Each star was asked to create an art image on canvas that portrayed aspects of their personality and character. The event was repeated successfully in 2012 - with a press night and public showing at Maddox Arts Gallery in London. Mo Farrah's canvas fetched over £2,000 alone.
Among the celebrities who donated their art were actors Lord Attenborough, John Hurt and Jude Law, artists Peter Blake, Tracy Emin, Karen Burt, Sara Abbott, and Jamie McCartney, comedians Michael "Atters" Attree,[3] Steve Coogan, Matt Lucas, Catherine Tate and London Mayor Boris Johnson[4]
This year (2013) will see Willow present Sports Wave - a series of paintings depicting the UK's top sports stars.