RECENTLY, intu Lakeside hosted a ‘style surprise’ for the Founder of its charity of the year, The Dream Factory. Avril Mills, who founded the charity after she lost her son Oliver to Leukaemia at the age of nine, was treated to a day of pampering at the shopping centre to thank her for all the amazing work she does.
The Dream Factory grants dreams for young people with terminal or debilitating illnesses, and as part of intu Lakeside’s 25th birthday celebrations the shopping centre pledged to raise £25,000 for the charity and help some of these dreams come true. intu Lakeside wanted Avril to experience a fabulous day that she’d never forget in recognition of all the inspirational work she does.
At 9.30am, Avril was surprised with a stretch limo waiting outside her home, ready to escort her to intu Lakeside where she was greeted with a bunch of flowers by intu Lakeside’s Personal Stylist, Carlene Noel. The pair then embarked on a shopping spree around the centre with a £X intu Lakeside gift card.
After a couple of hours shopping, Avril enjoyed a lunch at Miller & Carter with The Dream Factory patrons Vicki Michelle and Colin McMillan who also turned up to surprise her.
Avril then visited RUSH hair salon and the Dior counter in Debenhams for a luxurious makeover before heading to 360 Champagne and Cocktail Bar where she was met by some of The Dream Factory’s volunteers, patrons and families who have been helped by the charity.
Donna Callander, Marketing Manager at intu Lakeside commented: “Avril is devoted to granting the dreams of young people with life threatening, terminal or life debilitating illnesses. After spending the past year working with Avril, admiring the work she does and the impact she has on others lives we felt that it was time to give something back to her to say thank you on behalf of all of those she has helped.”
