Will O’Burn is the much‑loved mascot of Willow Burn Hospice, created to bring comfort, joy and connection to everyone who visits us.
Through his adventures across County Durham, Will helps us share our story, support fundraising, and shine a light on the compassionate care we provide to local families.
About Will O'Burn
Meet Will O’Burn — Willow Burn Hospice Mascot
"My name is Will O'Burn and my family and I live in the Willow Burn Gardens. We just love to eat roses, all of the roses we can find but we've heard it makes the Willow Burn gardeners and visitors sad. So to say sorry for our snacking, I have signed up as the newest recruit to the Volunteering Team. Will O'Burn... at your service."
Who Is Will O’Burn?
Created to help share the hospice’s story in a warm and engaging way, Will brings smiles to people of all ages and plays an important role in raising awareness and supporting fundraising across the local community. As our newest ambassador, he’s here to brighten days, spark conversations and bring the spirit of Willow Burn wherever he goes.
The Story Behind the Missing Roses
For a while, the team at Willow Burn Hospice were puzzled by the mysterious disappearance of roses from their beautiful gardens. After many guesses, the truth finally came to light in early 2025 when the culprit appeared at the hospice door — Will O’Burn, who confessed that he and his family simply loved eating the roses.
Why Will O’Burn Joined the Team
Rather than causing trouble, Will arrived with a completed volunteer application form to apologise. The team welcomed him warmly, keeping him busy with helpful tasks and swapping roses for scones from the Willows Café. His light‑hearted confession not only solved the mystery but also marked the beginning of his journey as part of the Willow Burn community.
What Will O'Burn Does at Willow Burn Hospice
Will O'Burn has joined the team at Willow Burn to break down barriers for children and young people when visiting the hospice with a loved one, joining us as a member of the community or when accessing bereavement counselling. Not only will he help to fundraise and raise awareness but he will bring smiles and positivity to everyone who meets him.
Meet the Illustrator Behind Will O’Burn
When the team at Willow Burn decided to introduce a mascot to the brand, friend of the hospice Helen Heath was our first choice of illustrator.
About Helen Heath
With a BA (Honours) in Graphic Design from Nottingham Trent University, Helen developed a strong eye for colour, layout, handlettering and visual hierarchy—skills that naturally flow into her passion for illustration. She has collaborated with top publishers like Bloomsbury, Orchard Books, Egmont, and Scholastic. Beyond commissions, Helen teaches design and illustration, lead workshops, and co-runs a greetings brand established in 2013.
Illustrated by Helen - https://www.illustratedbyhelen.co.uk/
Helen’s Inspiration
Helen has created Will O'Burn in memory of her lovely mum, Eileen Turner. You can read Helen and Eileen's story here: read
When Helen Met Will – Watch the Video
When Helen Met Will: https://youtu.be/XtDat4njeuk?si=PrjB3EgqfdP-ALlc
Will O’Burn’s Coat of Memories
Will O’Burn is creating a special Coat of Memories to honour and share the legacies of loved ones.
If you would like to contribute, you are warmly invited to donate a small piece of your loved one’s clothing or a meaningful fabric. This will be carefully sewn into Will O’Burn’s new waistcoat as part of this unique tribute.
How You Can Contribute a Fabric Memory
You can bring your fabric piece directly to the hospice or contact us and we’ll be happy to send you a pre‑paid envelope.
Please remember to include your contact details, the name of your loved one, and, if you wish, a short note about why this item is special. If you’d prefer not to share those details, that’s absolutely fine too.
See Will in his Coat of Memories here: https://youtu.be/_lhdzyesoww
Contact Ali or Rachel on: 01207 529 224 or aenglish@willowburnhospice.org.uk / rquince@willowburnhospice.org.uk
What Happens to Your Memory Piece
This will be carefully sewn into Will O’Burn’s new waistcoat as part of this unique tribute.
Receiving Your Keepsake Photo of Will
Once your fabric memory is sewn into Will's waistcoat, we will send you a photo of Will proudly wearing it — a treasured keepsake for you and your family.
Will O'Burn's Illustrated Picture Book - Coming Spring 2026
The Will O’Burn illustrated picture book is a heartfelt story about a rabbit who hasn’t experienced grief himself but learns about it through his friends in the garden. As he visits them throughout the year, he sees how each animal experiences and expresses grief differently. Through listening, kindness and conversation, Will helps comfort them and discovers the importance of talking about loved ones who have died. The story gently explores emotions and shows how remembering someone in a positive way can bring comfort and connection.
Be the first to know about all new updates when you sign up on this link: Sign Up for Updates on Will O’Burn’s New Illustrated Picture Book
Follow Will O’Burn’s Journey
Stay up to date with everything Will O’Burn is getting up to as he settles into life at Willow Burn Hospice. From helping out in the beautiful hospice gardens to supporting fundraising activities and bringing comfort to children, young people and visitors, Will is always busy spreading positivity across the community.
Updates on Facebook and the Dedicated Will O’Burn Group
You can follow his adventures through regular updates on the Willow Burn website, Facebook page and Will O’Burn’s dedicated group. Here, you’ll find stories about his latest projects, behind‑the‑scenes snippets, and ways you can get involved in supporting his mission to break down barriers and bring smiles to everyone he meets. From discovering the mystery of the disappearing roses to proudly wearing his handmade Coat of Memories, Will’s journey is a heartwarming reminder of the love, care, and community spirit that defines Willow Burn Hospice. Keep checking back to see what he’s up to next — you never know where you might spot him!
Welcome Will to your event, school or business
Will is very excited to meet as many of you as possible. If you would like him to visit your event, community group, school or business, we would love to put it in Will's diary for you. He can help you to find out more about the hospice, fundraise or just add some fun to one your events. Please get in touch with Rachel or Ali to find out more: rquince@willowburnhospice.org.uk / aenglish@willowburnhospice.org.uk / 01207 529 224
Download: Will O'Burn Leaflet
Photo
Gallery
Will O'Burn
Will O'Burn Logo
Will O'Burn with illustrator Helen Heath and her family
Will O'Burn Reading
Will O'Burn Taking a Break
Will O'Burn having fun in the garden
Will O'Burn making the beds
Your Stories
"The care is outstanding, the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a bother. I count myself blessed to be able to end my days in such a wonderful place."
"I cannot imagine a more caring & positive day - Lovely atmosphere, full of surprises!"
"Our family can never thank Willow Burn and the team enough for the amazing care and compassion our Mam received. We all take comfort in knowing Mam could not of been in a better place to spend her last days. For that we will be eternally grateful."
MCcrory Family
“How do I thank you all? Where do I begin? The care, love and support you showed my beautiful sister and also to our whole family was incredible. You are a superb team and you should be very proud of every shift you work. There aren’t enough words or big enough words to continue...so in the words of my sister...if the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you’ that’ll be enough. Much love to you all ”
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