intu Lakeside hosts Style Surprise for founder of The Dream Factory

On Wednesday 14 October, 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 style surprise 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.
Avril was surprised in the morning with a stretch limo waiting outside her home, ready to escort her to intu Lakeside where enjoyed a day of pampering. The day started with Avril being gifted a £250 intu Lakeide gift card to spend during her Personal Stylist session with the centre’s Personal Stylist, Carlene Noel.
After a couple of hours shopping, Avril enjoyed a lunch at Miller & Carter with The Dream Factory patrons Terry Alderton 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.