Ebbonny Mattley, 38, from Ashby de la Zouch enjoyed a Special Break arranged by Willow that gave her precious time with her partner Alastair and their children. After months of treatment she hoped for time to reconnect and enjoy something positive as a family. 

Ebbonny was referred to Willow during radiotherapy. She and her family were shown several options, including experiences they would not have known were possible. Her children chose Tiger Lodge at West Midlands Safari Park and Josie, their Willow coordinator, arranged everything so they only had to arrive and enjoy the stay. 

Her diagnosis at 36 came as a shock. With two young children she found herself reassessing every part of her daily life. She had been working as a town planner and loved spending time outdoors. Facing breast cancer at a young age made her appreciate small moments she had once overlooked. 

Ebbony said: "The whole experience with Willow was brilliant. I was referred during radiotherapy and once accepted I was given a clear idea of what Willow could offer. We were shown several options, including things we never would have known were possible. The kids chose Tiger Lodge and Josie organised everything so all we had to do was turn up." 

"From the moment we arrived we were treated like VIPs. The lodge was beautiful, the attention to detail was excellent and the food was fabulous. We had two full days in the park and the gold wristbands made everything feel effortless." 

"My highlight has to be seeing five tigers up close. The kids' reaction every time a tiger walked past was amazing. We made some fantastic memories as a family and we are so grateful." 

Willow supports seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 by offering special experiences that gives them a chance to have a break with their loved ones away from the challenges of their diagnosis. 

From Tuesday 2 December, every donation to Willow will be doubled for one week through the Big Give Christmas Challenge. The matched gifts will help more young adults spend precious time with the people who matter most. 

About Willow:

Each year thousands of young adults across the UK are diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. When they should be enjoying the prime of life, they are dealing with stress, isolation, invasive treatment and hospital appointments. We're dedicated to helping young adults take much-needed time out from the reality of living with serious illness, creating magical moments that become lasting memories. 

From treat boxes, our bespoke boxes of joy, to experiences at home, fun packed days out and quiet breaks away from it all, we offer seriously ill young adults the chance to spend time with family or fulfil a lifelong dream. 

Over the last 25 years, the Willow team has created bespoke experiences for more than 23,500 seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds, and this year we aim to support 1,400 more, helping them to share magic moments and make precious memories with their loved ones. 

Willow was founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson, and his wife Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. The inspiration for Willow came from Anna's determination to live every moment to the fullest, even in the most difficult circumstances.