We are so grateful for the voluntary work that Annabel Lawrenson has been doing, especially during the Covid19 pandemic. We have chosen her to be our Volunteer Hero of the Week and would like to share with you all Annabel’s story:
I was asked if I would like to be a volunteer dream maker by Avril Mills who is the founder of the Dream Factory and a personal friend. Avril started the charity in memory of her son Oliver. My son Alex was best friends with Oliver at school.
It is a privilege to volunteer for The Dream Factory. It is both humbling and inspiring to meet the brave children and their families. One child in particular Ruby really touched my heart. She had an unbelievable relationship with her mum Anna. Ruby had cancer and her dream was to have a puppy to love and care for. The Dream Factory arranged for Ruby and her mum to have a VIP day going to visit Battersea Dogs Home by limo (filled with dog balloons) and out for lunch at Dip and Flip, a restaurant that serves everything with gravy… one of Ruby’s favourite foods!
A few weeks later we gave her a golden retriever puppy that she named Star. Ruby adored Star and even taught her tricks! Star helped give Ruby courage through her treatment.
Sadly, Ruby passed away. Anna is devoted to Star, and in return Star gives Anna strength and love.
Stories like this one are why being a part of The Dream Factory means so much to me.
If you would like to volunteer like the wonderful Annabel then please contact us on
Help us to grant more dreams like Ruby’s. Please donate to justgiving.com/campaign/ourappeal2020
