Ten years ago my wife and I set up a charity to help 16 to 40-year-olds living with serious illness after our daughter tragically died of cancer aged just 31.

During her illness our daughter Anna stayed positive and happy by keeping busy and having lots of fun days in her diary.

During those days Anna would be symptom-free and so many happy memories were created.

The charity was set up to replicate the days we spent with Anna, providing special days for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds – a forgotten age group.

In the first year we provided just 17 special days – 10 years on we are providing 1,500 special days each year.

To date we have provided more than 6,000 empowering special days to people living not just with cancer but also cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, organ failure, motor neurone disease, amongst other conditions.

Now, more than ever, we need support so we can continue to provide special days and ultimately achieve our goal of providing a special day for every seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds in the UK.

Can Dorset Echo readers help us?

There’s a host of ways people can raise money for the charity or volunteer their time – from holding a tea party with friends to doing a sponsored walk, or volunteering at events.

It’s the time of year when people will be training to run the London Marathon.

Runners will have already been allocated their place but perhaps they haven’t yet chosen a charity for which to raise money?

Every little helps and we urge your readers to think of us.

If you think you can help in any small way, please get in touch with our fundraising team on 01707 259777, email fundraising@willowfoundation.org.uk or visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk

Bob Wilson OBE, Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper and Match of the Day presenter.