Josh Mills is gearing up to run the London Marathon this weekend in memory of his brother Oliver, who is the inspiration behind the Essex-based charity The Dream Factory. The organization is dedicated to granting dreams to children and young adults aged 3 to 25 who suffer from life-threatening conditions, have severe disabilities, or are receiving end-of-life care. The charity was founded by Oliver’s mother, Avril Mills BEM, following the heartbreaking loss of Oliver, who passed away from leukaemia at the age of nine.
A Mother's Promise
At the beginning of January 2008, The Dream Factory was itself just a dream. Avril knew what she wanted to do and was prepared to work hard to make it happen. While Oliver, a big EastEnders fan, was undergoing treatment in hospital, Avril arranged for him to meet Ross Kemp and other members of the cast. Liking the idea, she went on to grant a wish for another child who had always wanted to meet the Arsenal team. Before Oliver died, he expressed the wish to grant dreams for children when he grew up, and so The Dream Factory Children’s Charity began.
Josh's Marathon Mission
Josh, aged 29, is from Essex and serves as an ambassador and trustee of The Dream Factory. He is running the London Marathon this weekend in memory of his brother Oliver and to help the charity continue making dreams come true. Josh said: “So far, The Dream Factory has granted over 779 dreams, bringing joy and creating special memories for children and their families, and our aim is to grant many more. I am looking to raise over £9,000 running the London Marathon, to give us the opportunity to grant many more dreams for children just like Oliver. Fundraising is so important to The Dream Factory, and our whole team works tirelessly to raise funds to be able to grant more dreams. Please be generous with your donations, which will give me all the motivation to get through this marathon as it’s my first one!”
Avril Mills' Pride
Avril Mills BEM, Honorary Freeman of The Borough of Redbridge, founder and trustee of The Dream Factory Children's Charity, said: “I am so incredibly proud of Josh running the London Marathon this weekend, and I know Oliver will be looking down and would be so proud of everything we have achieved together, and he will be willing Josh all the way to the end on Sunday. Through incredibly difficult and challenging times, we have been able to help so many poorly children and young adults by creating dreams and memories that mean the world to them and their families. I’m proud to say that, together, we’ve managed to get to where we are today. If you are already a supporter, thank you for continuing to stand with us. If you’re not yet a supporter, we welcome your help. It’s always important to think of others, not just ourselves. We are a small charity making a big difference. Good luck this weekend Josh.”
How to Support Josh's Fundraiser
To support Josh and his London Marathon this weekend, you can donate via his fundraising page. For more information about The Dream Factory, please visit their website.
