On Wednesday 13 May, intu Lakeside granted its first dream for charity of the year, Essex based The Dream Factory, by treating Bria Crooks to a fabulous, bespoke shopping spree with the centre’s new, free Personal Stylist, Carlene Noel.
Bria, who is 21 and currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, was granted her wish of going on a glamorous, bespoke shopping spree experience at intu Lakeside as part of the centre’s work with The Dream Factory. Bria was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last year and is currently undergoing grueling chemotherapy. intu Lakeside wanted to offer a memorable experience for Bria enabling her to feel like a super star despite her debilitating condition.
To start the day, Bria and her friend arrived at intu Lakeside in style by a chauffeur driven Range Rover, generously donated by South East Electrical, one of The Dream Factory’s main supporters. intu Lakeside’s new Personal Stylist, Carlene, then joined Bria on her exciting, two-hour shopping spree to discuss all things fashion.
Throughout the entire shopping spree experience, Carlene was on hand to offer Bria some expert advice on hot fashion trends for this season and helped her create a glamorous new wardrobe to take home. From beautiful summer dresses to statement handbags and shoes, Carlene helped Bria find everything she desired from the many fashion retailers at the centre. In addition to fashion, Carlene offered Bria insider tips on how to look and feel fabulous, recommending a makeover at Bobbi Brown, located in House of Fraser, and a goodie bag donated from Lumanis spa to ensure Bria felt a million dollars.
The day was topped off by a delicious meal at Las Iguanas.
Bria commented: “After I was diagnosed last year I was absolutely devastated and it has been very difficult for me to come to terms with my condition. However, the experience has helped me in more ways than I can describe and I now have an amazing new wardrobe to enjoy!”
To celebrate intu Lakeside’s 25th anniversary in October this year, staff, retailers and customers are planning to raise £25,000 for its chosen charity, The Dream Factory, and help to make many more dreams come true. Staff and retailers at intu Lakeside are taking part in a number of different initiatives throughout 2015 to help raise money for this worthy cause, including a staff bake off, donating prizes for raffles and fun runs (to name but a few!). Bria’s dream is the first of many to be granted by intu Lakeside and the centre is currently working towards helping other children and young people’s dreams become a reality.
Donna Callander, Marketing Manager at intu Lakeside, commented: “We are delighted to grant our first dream to Bria and help support her as she bravely battles Leukemia. The bespoke shopping spree with our very own Personal Stylist was an amazing experience for Bria and it was fantastic to see her really enjoying herself.”
Donna continued: “2015 is a huge milestone for intu Lakeside as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and as part of this, we have pledged £25,000 to The Dream Factory to help make a difference to the lives of these young people and their families. Throughout the year we will be helping The Dream Factory grant dreams for children and young people across the South East and Greater London and we intend to make as many dreams as possible come true.”
