Press & Media
Hainault based charity urgently needs your sponsorship
Publication: Hainault Business Park
Date: April 2025
Founder, Avril Mills (British Empire Medal) tells us about The Dream Factory and its impact to young lives.
For 17 years, Essex-based charity The Dream Factory has been granting wishes to children and young adults aged 3 to 265 dealing with life-threatening conditions, severe disabilities or receiving end-of-care.
Thanks to generous supporters, nearly 750 dream have come true – bringing joy, hope and unforgettable memories to families facing unimaginable challenges.
Wish Upon A Star
The Dream Factory children’s charity have now granted an amazing 730 dreams for children and young adults with life threatening illnesses, severe disabilities and end of life dreams. They also have 50 dreams on their waiting list to be granted, showing how the Essex charities aims have never been more important.
‘I founded The Dream Factory in memory of my son Oliver who I miss every day,’ says founder Avril Mills BEM. ‘We recently held our first ever Drag Bingo Charity Lunch afternoon, which was a big success. With 70 guests attending, everybody had so much fun. Present were our Patrons, Vicky Michelle MBE, Christine Ohuruogu MBE and Anne Wafula Strike MBE, who all spoke to the ladies about why they are Patrons. A massive thank you to our amazing and very talented drag queen, Scarlett Diamonte , who hosted the afternoon, and Terry Tew Sound & Lighting for once again donating his staff and expertise making sure everything ran smoothly.
Fun for all the Family at Whizzing Wheels
For the very first time, a shopping centre will be transformed into a magical Whizzing Wheels Santa Skate Track as part of The Dream Factory’s Kids Helping Kids campaign.
This one-of-a-kind experience is taking place at The Exchange Ilford, High Road, Ilford on Sunday, November 24 between 5.30pm and 8pm.
The Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions, have severe disabilities or are sadly having end of life care.
The Dream Factory, Outstanding Milestone Granting 700th Dream
THE Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions, have severe disabilities or are sadly having end of life care, and this month we have hit an enormous milestone as we have granted our 700th dream!
Our 700th Dream recipient was brave 20-year-old Jack, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge. Jack’s dream was to stay at the amazing Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Safari Park in Hythe, Kent and have the amazing animal experiences including the tiger feed and ranger safari.
Outstanding Milestone Granting 700th Dream
The Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions, have severe disabilities or are sadly having end of life care, and this month we have hit an enormous milestone as we have granted our 700th dream!
Our 700th Dream recipient was brave 20-year-old Jack, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge.
Two Dream Factory Supporters raised over £17,500 at London Marathon
Two supporters of The Dream Factory have already raised over £17,500 for the charity after completing Sunday’s London Marathon.
Ross Ritchie crossed the finish line in 4hrs 24mins 18secs.
He said: “It was the honour of a lifetime to run for the incredible charity. I couldn’t be prouder to play a small part in granting more dreams for The Dream Factory.”
Publication
Everything Epping Forest
Date
April 2024
Lokkum Ladies Lunch 2024
The Dream Factory children’s charity held their pre-Christmas Ladies’ Lunch at Lokkum Bar & Grill in South Woodford on Thursday, 23rd November.
A wonderful total of £17,500 was raised from the event. This included very generous sponsorship donations to grant a specific dream for three-year-old Connie and her family to go to Disneyland Paris.
Publication
Absolutely Essex
Date
January 2024
Jacob, Child of Courage of 2023
Jacob, was once described as a miracle baby. He was stillborn, with asphyxia, a severe brain injury , but survived. It took doctors, 22 minutes of resuscitation to get Jacob breathing. He defied all the odds, being able to walk, after his parents were told he may never be able to walk or talk .
Publication
Pride of Essex Awards
Date
November 2023
Make us your Charity of the Year
ESSEX-based Charity The Dream Factory, grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities. Like most charities, The Dream Factory are finding it harder and harder to raise much needed funds to grant more dreams and are so grateful for the continued support of companies like Moss Electrical Co. Ltd based in Dartford, Constructive Space based in East London, Lewis Mechanical and Electrical based in Maidstone and The Pink Tie Club, and others who have supported The Dream Factory this year. One of the ways that these Companies support us is by kindly making us their Charity of the Year at their Company Golf Days – a great day for the golfers and by raising money, it means The Dream Factory can grant even more wishes.
Make Us your Charity of the Year
Essex- based Charity The Dream Factory, grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities. Like most charities, The Dream Factory are finding it harder and harder to raise much needed funds to grant more dreams and are so grateful for the continued support of companies like Moss Electrical Co. Ltd based in Dartford, Constructive Space based in East London, Lewis Mechanical and Electrical based in Maidstone and The Pink Tie Club, and others who have supported The Dream Factory this year. One of the ways that these Companies support us is by kindly making us their Charity of the Year at their Company Golf Days – a great day for the golfers and by raising money, it means The Dream Factory can grant even more wishes.
Jacob Conquers Mt Snowdon
ast year he ran a mile a day for 50 days to raise £2,000 for charity.
The courageous youngster has now conquered all 3,560ft of Mount Snowdon – the highest peak in Wales – with his mum and grandad in just seven hours.
Proud parents Abbie and Laura said: “Jacob absolutely smashed it. We’re just so proud of him.
“We all made sure he was well looked-after and supported during the day, and he was just smiling and enjoying himself the whole time.
Haslers Foundation Annual Quiz
The best business brains from across the area have once again competed against each other in the ninth annual Haslers Foundation Charity Quiz held at West Essex Golf Club, Chingford. The event saw over 100 people turn out to raise money for the Haslers Foundation – the in-house charity of Loughton based Haslers Chartered Accountants. The foundation aims to relieve poverty and financial hardship; relieve sickness and preserve health; and help young people throughout London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Woodford Athletic Club were the champions of the night and the quiz raised £7,815.
The Dream Factory reaches an outstanding milestone by granting their 600th Dream
THE Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities and this month we have hit an enormous milestone as we have granted our 600th dream!
Our 600th Dream recipient was the lovely Ethan Hough from Chelmsford, Essex. Ethan Hough is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). Ethan has had eight breaks in his legs and one of his femurs has a flexible rod in it. When Ethan has a break he requires the use of a zimmer frame or wheelchair, as due to the frequency of the breaks, Ethan cannot walk distances, as his muscles never get the chance to build up strength in them. Brave Ethan has phosphate injections to strengthen his bones and has just recovered from his last break.
Essex charity makes its 600th dream come true
An Essex-based charity that makes dreams come true has granted their 600th dream to a very deserving young man.
The Dream Factory, that grants dreams to children and young adults who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities, hit the enormous milestone in February this year. The lucky 600th Dream recipient was eight-year-old Ethan Hough from Chelmsford.
Brave young Ethan has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) and has already suffered eight breaks in his legs and one of his femurs has a flexible rod in it. The courageous youngster often requires the use of a zimmer frame or wheelchair, and has phosphate injections to strengthen his bones.
The Dream Factory reaches an outstanding milestone by granting their 600th Dream
The Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of 3 to 25 years, who suffer from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities and this month we have hit an enormous milestone as we have granted our 600th dream!
Our 600th Dream recipient was the lovely Ethan Hough from Chelmsford, Essex. Ethan Hough is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). Ethan has had eight breaks in his legs and one of his femurs has a flexible rod in it. When Ethan has a break he requires the use of a zimmer frame or wheelchair, as due to the frequency of the breaks, Ethan cannot walk distances, as his muscles never get the chance to build up strength in them. Brave Ethan has phosphate injections to strengthen his bones and has just recovered from his last break.
Ethan is a huge Arsenal fan, and his dream was to meet some of the players including his idol Bukayo Saka. The Dream Factory arranged for Ethan to go to Arsenal Football Club to watch a game and meet some players including Bukayo Saka. Ethan also received some spending money and Arsenal goodies to take home.
