Avril & Martin's Husky Sled Challenge through the Arctic in -20 degrees
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Charity duo Avril Mills founder of The Dream Factory & Martin Bye Dream coordinator are to take part in Husky Sled Challenge for The Dream Factory
The Dream Factory charity founder Avril Mills and dream co-ordinator Martin Bye are to take part in the ultimate extreme challenge to raise money for The Dream Factory.
The pair want to raise £8,000 by taking on the Husky Sled Challenge in the Arctic which will see them drive a pack of huskies some 156 miles over seven days.
The challenge, next April, will start in Norway and finish in Sweden. Avril said: "This will certainly test our physical and mental strength in some of the most extreme conditions known to man. "We will be travelling the distance from London to Torquay in temperatures averaging -20 degrees. This is no ordinary charity challenge."
The fundraisers will have to put up their own tents, cook their own food and look after their team of huskies. Avril said this is a hands on' extreme wilderness challenge if ever there was one, especially as I don't like the cold, I'm not a fan of dogs and haven't got a clue how to put up a tent!"
Avril founded The Dream Factory in 2008 in memory of her son, Oliver, who died from leukemia at the age of nine. also follow The Dream Factory on Twitter - @avrilsdream
The Dream Factory charity makes 200th dream come true
The Dream Factory charity which was set up five years ago by an Epping
mother after her son died from leukaemia has reached its latest landmark -
by making its 200th dream come true.
The Dream Factory grants wishes for children and young adults with
life-limiting conditions.
Founder Avril Mills said: "I started The Dream Factory in memory of my
son, Oliver, who died in September 1999 of leukaemia.
"We had a dream which inspired me to want to grant dreams for other
children like Oliver."
Avril added: "I am very lucky to have on board a fabulous team of
volunteers who go out and grant these dreams and other volunteers who
help me fund-raise to enable the dreams to be fulfilled.
"The Dream Factory would also like to thank all of our supporters
everywhere and look forward to the next 200 dreams."
The 200th dream saw seven-year-old Ayse, who was born with Spinal
Muscular Core Myopathy, given an iPad.
Avril said: "When she was a few months old her condition was diagnosed
and she spent the next two years in hospital.
"In spite of her condition she is an extremely happy girl and loves to
socialise with other children when she can.
"As she has recently been told she is unable to attend school any longer
she was hoping her wish for an iPad would come true.
"We were able to help and not only surprised her with the iPad but gave
her a cover in her favourite colour - pink!"
Other dreams granted by The Dream Factory have ranged from days out,
visits to Euro Disney, a trip in a pink limousine to a recording studio and
gifts including a bicycle and computers.
A host of celebrities have helped make dreams come true with youngsters
being granted their wishes to meet boy band JLS, West End musical star
Lee Mead, the Arsenal football team and the cast of the Michael Jackson
musical Thriller in London's West End.
The Dream Factory patron Lisa Marie Presley said: "I am very proud to be a
patron of this marvellous children's charity. It is very inspiring.
Fellow patron Ray Winstone said: "I'm so proud to be a patron of Avril's
Dream Factory. What a fantastic cause granting dreams for children with
life-threatening illnesses.
"Granting 200 dreams is amazing! Well done, and I'm behind you all the
way."
Another of the charity's patrons is Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain
Duncan Smith.
He said: "It is a remarkable achievement for Avril and The Dream Factory
to have made 200 dreams come true for all those sick children.
"I send everyone at The Dream Factory my best wishes for the next 200."
Sytner Chigwell Chose The Dream Factory as their charity for the year
We are delighted to announce that BMW Sytner Chigwell has chosen The Dream Factory as its charity for the year. Read the article
Vicki Michelle - Executive Producer of Run For Your Wife
Vicki Michelle, MBE, a patron of the Dream Factory is Executive Producer of a new comedy film 'Run For Your Wife' which premiered in Leicester Square on Tuesday night (5/2/13) in aid of Mencap, which Avril Mills attended, along with another Patron The Rt.Hon. Iain Duncan-Smith, MP, in support of Vicki. The evening was a great success with many of the stars of the film in attendance, including Danny Dyer, Sarah Harding & Denise Van Outen, along with several other famous faces who made cameo appearances in the film.
The Dream Factory teams up with Disneyland Paris to provide even more dreams!
The Dream Factory charity, which was set up three years ago by Epping mother Avril Mills, has teamed up with Disneyland Paris to offer children the chance-of-a-lifetime vist to the popular venue.
Avril Mills together with trustee and dream co-ordinator Martin Bye and volunteer dream maker Sue Stanton recently visited Disneyland Paris to finalise arrangements for the exciting new partnership.
Avril said: “We were shown hotel rooms where our dream children will stay and other facilities in the hotel.
“We were also taken to the lovely Disney lounge where the dream children will be able to rest during their very busy and exciting day in the Disney park.”
They also met some of the venue’s team who will help create special dream requests for The Dream Factory children.
Avril added: “Working with Disney will save us thousands of pounds. We are honoured and delighted to have this opportunity to help us grant more dreams especially in this current difficult economic climate.”
The Dream Factory, which is about to create its 150th dream, was launched in January 2008 by Avril Mills, after her son, Oliver, aged nine, died from leukaemia.
Avril said: “We always need more help from volunteers and of course funds so that we can regularly carry on granting the dreams.”
FELIX'S TRIP TO DISNEY