Exchange House 33 Station Road Liphook Hampshire GU30 …€¦ · Dreams Come True Exchange House...

Dreams Come True Exchange House 33 Station Road Liphook Hampshire GU30 7DWT: 01428 726330 F: 01428 724953 E: [email protected] Freephone: 0800 018 6013www.dreamscometrue.uk.com

Registered as a Charity in England and Wales (800248) and in Scotland (SC043878)

annual review 2015

Hader’s dream was simple; he just wanted to go to the park with his friends.Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Hader can now enjoy the kind of independence and mobility that most teenagers take for granted.

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ContentsMessage from the Chair ........................................... 2Who we are ............................................................... 3Ben’s story .............................................................. 4-5What we do & why we do it .................................. 6-7Spotlight on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome ................... 8-92014/15 highlights .............................................10-11Reaching far & wide ...........................................12-13Our Annual Group Trip ......................................14-15Fundraising Highlights ........................................16-17Power of Dreams Study............................................18Statement of financial activities 2014/15...........20-21Balance sheet ......................................................... 22Financial review ..................................................... 23Looking ahead.....................................................24-25Libby’s dream.............................................. ........26-27Thank you................................................................ 28

Front Cover: Sofie is 8 years old and lives with spina bifida and scoliosis, which means she relies on a wheelchair and has braved several operations.

Like many girls her age Sofie is obsessed with all things Disney, so we arranged for her to visit the Disney Parks in Orlando. As you can see, she didn’t stop smiling!

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Message from the Chair of Trustees This has been another year of progress towards our strategic objective of growing our income in order to serve more children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Due to the generosity and commitment of our donors and supporters, and the hard work of our fundraising team, our income increased by 30%, which enabled us to increase the resources spent on making dreams come true. Delivering more dreams, year on year, is our number one priority. We are proud of the fact that we are a national charity making dreams come true for children and young people in all parts of the UK. The Trustees’ Report

contains details of our reach. It is a matter of enormous importance that, wherever a child lives, they should be able to experience the joy of a dream come true. One of our strategic goals is to understand better the impact of having a dream come true, which led to the creation of the Power of Dreams study, in partnership with the University of Stirling. The findings will provide us with important insights and messages about the impact of what we do that will have a lasting positive effect on our service delivery and on our ability to persuade and engage supporters and donors. The relationships that we are building across the paediatric palliative care sector, and the insights and knowledge that we are acquiring as a result of the Power of Dreams study will enable us to make an important contribution to this vital challenge in the coming years. On behalf of all of the Trustees, all of the staff and, most importantly, all of the children who have had their dreams fulfilled, I would like personally to say a very big “Thank You” to each and every one of our donors and supporters. Every week brings evidence of their generosity, energy and determination to stand alongside the children and families that we serve. They are a huge encouragement for us all at the charity and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.The Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive and all of the Dreams Come True staff are approaching the coming year with enthusiasm for our plans - always remembering that our sole objective and focus is to deliver dreams to the children and young people that rely so much upon us. Sally de la Bedoyere

Chair of Trustees

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Who we areDreams Come True was founded in 1988 with the aim of bringing joy to children and young people with serious and life-limiting conditions across the UK, by making their dreams come true.

We are the only national charity to meet the needs of children from two-years-old up to young people aged 21.

We receive all of our funding through the generosity, ingenuity, commitment and effort of our amazing donors, fundraisers and supporters, both individuals and organisations. We receive no government funding.

Fulfilling a dream provides a positive focus, empowering both the children and their families with new energy and strength to deal with the ongoing daily struggles of illness. Over the last 27 years we have brought happiness and joy to more than five thousand children as well as their families, friends and carers.

Mission: to bring joy to children with serious and life-limiting conditions by making their treasured dreams come true.

Vision: that every child with a serious or life-limiting condition with a dream has the opportunity for that dream to come true.


Ben’s story

Ben is a bright and bubbly ten-year-old with total body cerebral palsy. Until a recent operation Ben had very little movement. However, a cutting edge implant now feeds electrical impulses through Ben’s brain, enabling him to control his head movements and use his hands much more effectively.

Ben’s new-found dexterity prompted his dream to have his own iPad. Ben has three younger triplet brothers, so in a boisterous household there is a lot of competition for the TV and family computer.Ben also has different interests to his brothers, so having an iPad enables him to make his own choices. Importantly, it also keeps Ben’s active and curious mind busy whilst his body gets much-needed rest and, according to his parents, has noticeably improved his motor skills.Everyday life can be challenging for Ben’s parents as they try to balance his needs with the demands of his nine-year-old triplet brothers. They work hard not to let Ben get sidelined and therefore jumped at the chance to fulfil his dream with Dreams Come True.At first, Ben couldn’t make his mind up what his dream should be - so many opportunities! However, he eventually decided on an iPad so he can watch his favourite programme ‘Top Gear’ and play his favourite games. He is also fascinated by Google Earth.Ben particularly loves playing driving games, which helps to improve his fine motor skills. The keypad also helps his dexterity and his Mum, Cresta, commented that, since having the iPad, Ben is noticeably calmer and no longer gets frustrated when he can’t do things.The iPad also enables Ben to learn through fun activities and, with the parental controls activated, Ben’s parents can relax in the knowledge that they know what he is doing.

“Ben is noticeably calmer and no longer gets frustrated when he can’t do things.”

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“This iPad means the world to Ben. It’s something he has always wanted, but never thought he would have. Thanks so much to Dreams Come True, the iPad is an expense we would have struggled to justify as Ben’s triplet brothers would have all wanted one too!! It’s just lovely to see Ben so happy.”

Ben’s Mum, Cresta


Little Sophia fulfilled her dream and brought tears to her Mum’s eyes when she finally got to cuddle Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, Paris.

Little Dewi is currently waiting for an essential operation. As soon as he is well enough, we’ll be arranging for him to meet his Disney heroes at Walt Disney World in Florida.

What we doEvery child has a dream and, when time is precious, nothing else matters. Making that dream come true for a child with a serious or life-limiting condition can provide respite from a regime of medication, hospital appointments and treatments. It also reaches out to the entire family network at a time when they need it most.

The children and families that we work with are dealing with all the difficulties, pressures and worries associated with serious illnesses and disabilities. Our dream co-ordinators provide a supportive and sympathetic service, operating with complete integrity and dependability to organise their dreams.

Each dream is personal and unique. Some children dream of meeting their celebrity hero or favourite Disney character, whilst others have ambitions to publish music, compete in sport, swim with dolphins or create their own artwork. For many it’s simply about doing everyday activities that most children take for granted, which is why we are also delighted to provide play equipment, computers and specially adapted bicycles.

Whatever the dream, we will try our hardest to fulfil it. We pride ourselves in tailoring each dream to the child to make it an entirely unique and unforgettable experience for them and their family.

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Emily simply couldn’t believe it when we fulfilled her dream to meet her musical idols, Motley Crue

When cancer forced Daniel to stop playing cricket for a while, we arranged for him to spend a VIP day at Lord’s rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s biggest legends.

Why we do itThe work we do delivers a profound impact. A dream provides our children with something to look forward to, the thrill and excitement of their dream actually coming true, and the lasting joy of wonderful memories to share with their families. We call it the power of dreams.

Fulfilling a dream provides a positive focus, empowering both the child and their families with new enthusiasm and strength to deal with ongoing daily struggles of illness, hospital treatment and sometimes sad loss. It is a legacy of hope and wellbeing that is poignantly expressed in many thank you letters we receive from children and their families.Moreover, every dream brings a dual impact upon children and their siblings – that of open discussion around the most difficult subject of serious and life shortening illness. Very often, families deal with the day-to-day events that illness brings, but find it hard to talk about fears for the future. Planning a dream helps to open up meaningful discussion amongst the family and with our highly experienced and professional dream co-ordinators.


“We met Paul O’Grady (and the gorgeous Olga) who was lovely. It was totally worth the pain sitting up (etc.) caused! Thank you so much Dreams Come True! I truly am so grateful for today.”

LucyBefore being diagnosed at the age of 14 with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility/type 3, Lucy spent years in pain with no real answers from doctors as to what was going on. Since then, Lucy has dedicated her life to campaigning for better palliative care for young people and a smoother transition to adult care. We were so impressed by her passion and commitment that we asked her to become an ambassador.In 2015, we were delighted to be able to fulfil Lucy’s dream to meet her idol and fellow dog-lover, Paul O’ Grady.We were also thrilled for Lucy when she was recently awarded an MBE for her services to young people with disabilites.

Spotlight on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) Here at Dreams Come True, we meet children and young people with a myriad of conditions; some more rare than others. We’ve only come across Ehlers-Danlos syndrome on a handful of occasions, but this year, by pure coincidence, we received separate applications from three young women with the condition. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic group of conditions that can affect 95% of the body, including the skin and organs. The condition is hard to diagnose and often misunderstood, so we decided to highlight the condition by telling you about Lucy, Lauren and Chloe.

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LaurenClassical singing enthusiast Lauren has always dreamed of meeting her singing idol Katherine Jenkins, so Dreams Come True arranged for her to see the singer in concert and meet her after the show.It was such a thrill for 21-year-old Lauren. Music is something she can always enjoy, no matter how poorly she is feeling. Singing helps her to cope with the pain and is something that she feels confident doing.

Lauren has been in and out of hospital since 2005, but was left feeling particularly low after urological problems and losing a lot of her hair. Having this chance to fulfil her dream came just when she needed it most.

“Watching Katherine Jenkins perform and meeting her afterwards was an absolute dream come true for me, and is an experience I will never forget.”

ChloeFor the last five years, Chloe has been in and out of hospital battling a torrent of serious medical issues and emergencies. To make life even more challenging, Chloe’s mum, Suzé (who is also her full-time carer) suffered a stroke in 2013.Frustrated by the lack of awareness about Ehlers-Danlos, Chloe works hard to get the word out via her blog www.chloesdream.co.uk.Chloe’s health is preventing her from fulfilling her original dream to visit New York so she is currently having a rethink.

“I live in a world that doesn’t understand having to become an expert in my condition. It is so rare that I end up educating my doctor...”

2014 -15 highlights


children with serious and life-limiting conditions saw their dream come true during 2014/15.

visited Walt Disney World, Florida40

36 had specialist play equipment

18 met their idols

12 went to Disneyland, Paris

3 met Santa in Lapland

What their dreams were made of....

85 had something unique to them

148 children and their families joined us for a private party at Hamleys toy store in London as an extra treat.

In addition.....

194

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Thank you for helping us to make

it all happen!

We raised

30% more income

than in 2013/14

We launched a new online

shop

We launched a new charity

lottery

More highlights...

On average, we

spent 6% more per

dream


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Richie from Northern Ireland is a huge Disney fan. After recovering from cancer, he dreamed of celebrating his ‘second chance at life’ by taking a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida with his best friend Lili, who was a great support during his illness. “To say Disney was a dream come true would be an understatement!”

Carol from Wrexham lives with Epilepsy, learning difficulties and severe Autism.Her dream was a beach holiday. However, as Carol finds travelling stressful, the family chose Llandudno in North Wales.“We chose to relax by the beaches most of the time. We loved the peace and quiet so close to nature.”

Reaching far and wide...We fulfil dreams for children with serious and life-limiting conditions throughout all parts of the UK and work hard to ensure that no region is under-represented.

Average % of dreams per UK administrative region 2014/15

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66

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Two-year-old Hope from West Sussex was born with a life-threatening heart defect. Many of Hope’s family, including her Grandparents, live in South Africa so she had only ever ‘met’ them via Skype. We arranged for her and Mum to fly over for a huge reunion that made a whole family’s dream come true!

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Sean from Aberdeenshire has Pompe Disease, a rare condition which affects his heart and muscles. As a consequence, he is paralysed and needs 24-hour ventilation.Dreams Come True helped Sean with a new eye-gaze system which enables him to communicate via a remote computer using his eye movements.

Three-year-old Noah from York has cerebral palsy affecting his arms and legs. Noah used to get frustrated watching other children playing outside on their bikes.Since receiving his specially adapted trike from Dreams Come True, Noah has gained so much independence and as you can see, he loves it!

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Our Annual Group TripOur annual group trip to Florida was hugely successful once again, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our dream co-ordinators. We took 13 children, who all dreamed of meeting their favourite Disney characters, to Walt Disney World in Orlando. As part of the trip, we also arranged extra excursions to Universal Studios and other local attractions - plus some time to relax by the pool of course!

“It was so lovely to see my daughter playing with the other children and getting used to being around people again.”

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“Daisy had the time of her life. It was so lovely to see my daughter playing with the other children and getting used to being around people again.

I’ve noticed a difference in her since we have come back. She is more confident and before, when I used to pick her up from nursery, she would always be playing by herself. This week she has been with the other children. It just melts my heart seeing this. It feels as though this is another big step back to feeling normal I suppose.

This holiday for us marked the end of the most horrible 18 months of treatment, isolation and numerous hospital appointments. Now Daisy has reached 1 year post transplant and she’s still in remission, we can begin to breathe again.

We know there is always a risk that her cancer will return but it feels like we have closed another chapter and this is the start of a new one.

I cannot thank you enough for everything Dreams Come True have done for us. What an amazing group of people, fundraisers, everyone, we thank you.”

Daisy’s Mum

After the trip, one of the Mums wrote to explain what the trip had meant for her family:


The Graduate Committee from Savills took on marathons, Three Peaks Challenges, family fun days and more to raise a whopping £84k. And they’re still going...!

Fundraising HighlightsDream TeaDream Tea got an early sprinkling of stardust when ITV presenter Laura Hamiliton agreed to become an ambassador. Expecting her second child, Laura’s first contribution was to host a star-studded Dream Tea baby shower at London’s exclusive Sketch venue, featured in Hello magazine.

John, Gerry and Vicky Silk held a Dream Tea in their back garden and even had the Mayor in attendance! We met this lovely family when we fulfilled a dream for young Vicky and were inspired by their dedication to making every day count.Dad John recently became a Dreams Come True ambassador and we are delighted to be working with ‘team Silk’.

Corporate Fundraising

Thank you to staff from the North Hampshire & West Surrey branches of Lloyds Bank for braving a bitterly cold day to cheer along our London Marathon runners.

IT company Softcat pulled out the stops once again at their Annual Ball, raising a colossal £220k. The star-studded event featured celebrity illusionist, Darcy Oake.

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A Year of Extremes!

Our supporters went to extraordinary lengths to raise money for Dreams Come True... jumping out of planes, abseiling from dizzying heights, shaving their heads and taking on the Three Peaks.

And then there was the incredible feat of an unassuming young man who quickly earned himself a new nickname, ‘Marathon Man UK’.

In January 2015, Chris O’Brien began an epic challenge to run 52 half marathons in 52 weeks.

Lois Gibbs decided to raise funds by shaving her head after we fulfilled a dream for her daughter Bethany. Her extreme hairdo raised £1,100.

Tim, Alex & Paddy cycled from Nice to Rome, raising £1,600. The trio spent 8 days in the saddle and covered 780 kilometres!

Rob Young’s phenomenal achievements included: • 367 marathons in 365 days • Winning The Race Across America• Raising over £65kWe are delighted that Rob has since agreed to become an ambassador for Dreams Come True.

Read more about Rob on our website.


Power of Dreams StudyFor some years we have been working to establish a project to carry out much needed research into the impact of dream fulfilment. This project has attracted the support of an Advisory Group of leading experts in the paediatric palliative care sector including: • Sharon Ballingall - Rachel House Children’s Hospice• Francis Edwards - Bristol Royal Hospital for Children & Richard House Children’s

Hospice • Dr Liz Forbat - University of Stirling• Dr Richard Hain - Cardiff University• Dr Richard Harding - Cicely Saunders Institute, KCL • Victor Larcher - GOSH• John Silk - parent of a dream child.

In 2012, Dreams Come True Charity and the University of Stirling jointly established a 3-year PhD project researching the following questions:1. What is the impact of dream fulfilment on children and young people with

life-threatening and life-limiting conditions?2. What is the impact of the dream on the child’s family?The study, undertaken by University of Stirling research student Jayne Galinsky, is now completed and the final report submitted. It will be published in 2016. We believe that this study will make a significant contribution to the field by:• Improving awareness and understanding of what can be achieved by dream

fulfilment for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.• Informing the work of voluntary sector organisations operating in the dreams and

wishes sector.• Informing the integration of dream fulfilment into the best practice pathways of

care in children’s palliative services in the UK.• Increasing awareness among key decision makers to help drive the policy change

necessary to ensure all of the above is translated into sustained action.• Stimulating an uplift of funding to enable many more children to experience their

personal dream as part of those pathways of care.We will report fully on the findings of this ground-breaking study, and on the next steps for the research programme, in our 2016 Annual Review.

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“Alby is always attending events to help raise money for Muscular Dystrophy charities - it’s so nice for Alby to finally have something for himself. We can’t thank you enough – we’ll never forget what you’ve done for us.”


Statement of financial activities 2014/15Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2015 Total 2014

For the year ended 31 March 2015 including an Income & Expenditure Account

INCOMING RESOURCESIncoming resources from generated funds:Voluntary income• Fundraising campaign income• Corporate donations

350,976612,098

40,551-

391,527612,098

286,117442,126

Activities for generating funds• Fundraising events income• Sales of merchandise

432,36841

--

432,36841

372,776-

Investment income 942 - 942 3,656

Total incoming resources 1,396,425, 40,551 1,436,976 1,104,674

RESOURCES EXPENDEDCost of generating funds:Costs of generating voluntary income 639,504 -- 639,504 503,754Charitable activitiesCosts of fulfilling dreams 675,608 37,366 712,974 670,179Governance Costs 25,855 – 25,855 26,007

Total resources expended 1,340,967 37,366 1,378,333 1,199,941

All figures are GBP (£)

All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities.

All recognised gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 55,458 3,185 58,643 (95,267)

Total funds brought forward 211,071 42,301 253,372 348,639

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 266,529 45,486 312,015 253,372

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Statement of financial activities 2014/15Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2015 Total 2014

For the year ended 31 March 2015 including an Income & Expenditure Account

INCOMING RESOURCESIncoming resources from generated funds:Voluntary income• Fundraising campaign income• Corporate donations

350,976612,098

40,551-

391,527612,098

286,117442,126

Activities for generating funds• Fundraising events income• Sales of merchandise

432,36841

--

432,36841

372,776-

Investment income 942 - 942 3,656

Total incoming resources 1,396,425, 40,551 1,436,976 1,104,674

RESOURCES EXPENDEDCost of generating funds:Costs of generating voluntary income 639,504 -- 639,504 503,754Charitable activitiesCosts of fulfilling dreams 675,608 37,366 712,974 670,179Governance Costs 25,855 – 25,855 26,007

Total resources expended 1,340,967 37,366 1,378,333 1,199,941


All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities.

All recognised gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 55,458 3,185 58,643 (95,267)

Total funds brought forward 211,071 42,301 253,372 348,639

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 266,529 45,486 312,015 253,372


Balance sheet

2015 2014

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets 6,324 8,755Investments 2 2

Total fixed assets 6,326 8,757

CURRENT ASSETS

Stock 8,051 -Debtors 156,962 159,865Cash at bank and in hand 170,499 105,001

335,512 264,866

CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year (29,823) (20,251)

NET CURRENT ASSETS 305,689 244,615

NET ASSETS 312,015 253,372

FUNDS

Restricted funds 45,486 42,301Unrestricted funds 266,529 211,071

TOTAL FUNDS 312,015 253,372


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Financial review This year we raised £1,436,976 (2014: £1,104,674), an increase of 30% over the previous year. In response to the Board’s commitment to delivering dreams more quickly, £712,972 (2014: £670,179) was spent on our charitable purpose an increase of £42,793 or 6%.

As a result, the Charity made an operating surplus of £58,643 during the year (2014: a loss of £95,267) which resulted in fund balances increasing 20% to £312,015 (2014: £253,372).

The 100% owned subsidiary, Dreams Come True Services Ltd was dormant in the current year. As the results of the subsidiary are immaterial, consolidated financial statements have not been prepared for the year ended 31 March 2015 or 2014. Trustees as at 31st December 2015

Sally de la Bedoyere (Chair)Miranda AbrahamsAndrew ChallisPam CryerLinda Gibson

Malcolm JonesJulia MargoRhona ParryDavid Weeks


Looking ahead

FIVE

YEA

R G

OAL

S To deliver personal dreams to children and young people between the ages of 2 to 21 whilst achieving the highest standards of care and professionalism in the fulfilment of those dreams.

To recognise, develop and support our human resources, enabling the charity to deliver an optimal performance against the highest charity standards.

To create a growing and sustainable income stream.

To inform and stimulate the integration of the work of voluntary sector organisations such as Dreams Come True into paediatric and paediatric palliative care services, with Dreams Come True becoming the “charity of choice” amongst care professionals in these sectors. FI

VE Y

EAR

GO

ALS

SHO

RT A

ND

MED

IUM

TER

M O

BJEC

TIVE

S

Create the mechanisms that demonstrate the quality and impact of the dreams delivered to enable Dreams Come True to achieve the reputation as charity of choice.

To ensure that we have the necessary skills and human resources in the team to deliver our plans.

Ensure that staff can deliver the ambitions in this strategy by building competence, expertise and dedication, through a programme that offers mentoring, training and recognition.

Develop a fundraising strategy which looks to grow income year on year with a target of £2.5 million, thereby enabling the delivery of 1,000 dreams a year in the long term.

Create a stronger brand for Dreams Come True that positions us as the dream fulfilment charity of choice based on our focus on unique dreams, our personal and supportive approach to the whole family and the unique age range of children and young people for whom we make dreams come true.

Drive income by raising awareness and understanding of what can be achieved by dream fulfilment through a proactive, creative and effective marketing, PR and communications strategy.

Improve awareness and understanding of what can be achieved by dream fulfilment for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Achieve integration of dream fulfilment into best practice in the supportive care of these children in the UK.

Increase awareness among key decision makers to help drive the policy change necessary to ensure that all of the above is translated into sustained action.

SHO

RT A

ND

MED

IUM

TER

M O

BJEC

TIVE

S

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Looking ahead

FIVE

YEA

R G

OAL

S To deliver personal dreams to children and young people between the ages of 2 to 21 whilst achieving the highest standards of care and professionalism in the fulfilment of those dreams.

To recognise, develop and support our human resources, enabling the charity to deliver an optimal performance against the highest charity standards.

To create a growing and sustainable income stream.

To inform and stimulate the integration of the work of voluntary sector organisations such as Dreams Come True into paediatric and paediatric palliative care services, with Dreams Come True becoming the “charity of choice” amongst care professionals in these sectors. FI

VE Y

EAR

GO

ALS

SHO

RT A

ND

MED

IUM

TER

M O

BJEC

TIVE

S

Create the mechanisms that demonstrate the quality and impact of the dreams delivered to enable Dreams Come True to achieve the reputation as charity of choice.

To ensure that we have the necessary skills and human resources in the team to deliver our plans.

Ensure that staff can deliver the ambitions in this strategy by building competence, expertise and dedication, through a programme that offers mentoring, training and recognition.

Develop a fundraising strategy which looks to grow income year on year with a target of £2.5 million, thereby enabling the delivery of 1,000 dreams a year in the long term.

Create a stronger brand for Dreams Come True that positions us as the dream fulfilment charity of choice based on our focus on unique dreams, our personal and supportive approach to the whole family and the unique age range of children and young people for whom we make dreams come true.

Drive income by raising awareness and understanding of what can be achieved by dream fulfilment through a proactive, creative and effective marketing, PR and communications strategy.

Improve awareness and understanding of what can be achieved by dream fulfilment for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Achieve integration of dream fulfilment into best practice in the supportive care of these children in the UK.

Increase awareness among key decision makers to help drive the policy change necessary to ensure that all of the above is translated into sustained action.

SHO

RT A

ND

MED

IUM

TER

M O

BJEC

TIVE

S


22-year-old Libby from Chester has always been fascinated by the aquatic world which led her to start a university degree in Marine Biology. However, she had to take a break from her studies when she was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. Throughout her treatment, Libby dreamed of one day taking a beginner’s PADI course and learning to dive with proper equipment.

Libby’s dream

Libby really wanted to go to Sharm el-Sheikh, world famous for the beauty of its dive sites. Her diving dream came true when she left behind autumnal England and landed in sunny Egypt!Libby was “ecstatic” throughout her whole journey to Sharm el-Sheikh, right from arriving at the airport. Even the plane journey was a real treat, and definitely got Libby excited for what lay ahead. When she actually touched down in Egypt, Libby said that she felt like a silly little toddler!The next three days were chock-a-block with diving knowledge, as Libby studied for her PADI qualification. She was even given homework! When Libby had her diving debut actually in the sea, she said she “got the bug immediately”, explaining that “it’s a whole new world and literally indescribable how beautifully surreal the whole thing is.”The owner of the dive centre was a “hero” and arranged for Libby to go diving with his photographer for three dives - along a wreck, a patch reef and a walled reef. Libby’s verdict...?

“The aquatic life was phenomenal and I was in awe the entirety of the dives. We saw white tipped reef sharks, nemos, a whole array of reef fish and even an Angel Shark (my faves).”

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“I loved it even more than I imagined. Dreams Come True has changed my life with this trip!”


Royal PatronHRH Princess Michael of Kent

Ambassadors & PatronsDave Benson PhillipsOlivia BreenLiz BrewerLizzy CundyJohn SilkLaura HamiltonRachel HumphreyMalcolm Ferris LayMiranda Gore BrowneKatie GreenTamara MelvinJo PaveyJacqui SlackLucy Watts MBERob Young, Marathon Man UK

Charity ChampionsPaul & Frankie KellyAndrew PowellAdrian ShandleyMargaret & Mike WhartonJeremy WilliamsJo PackardPam Lyddon

Corporate SupportersBailey FisherBarclaysBright Bee Communications

Cash ConvertersDCE Exhibition StandsEnscoFirmdale HotelsFirst Port Glencore UK LimitedHamleysLeftover CurrencyLexington CateringLumiLloyds TSBNoble Julia RobertsonPetrogasPremier Race nightsSavillsSoftcatThistle InsuranceVirgin HolidaysWilson Jones Catering

Trusts and FoundationsElizabeth, Lady Cowdray’s Charity Trust George and Grace Hart Trust Fund John Coates Charitable TrustLeeds Building Society Charitable FoundationMactaggart Third FundMichael Cornish Charitable Trust Murphy-Neumann Charity Company Limited P F Charitable Trust Souter Charitable Trust

The Barneswood Charitable TrustThe Bassil Shippam and Alsford TrustThe Boltini TrustThe Bonhomie United Charity SocietyThe Cecil Rosen FoundationThe Frederick & Phyllis Cann TrustThe Gerald Micklem Charitable TrustThe Joseph and Annie Cattle Trust The Lady Eileen Joseph FoundationThe Lawton Trust LimitedThe Lynn FoundationThe Mabel Harper Charitable Trust The Rind Foundation The Sir James Roll Charitable TrustThe Sobell Foundation The Steinberg Family Charitable TrustThe Sydney Black Charitable Trust Limited

Individual SupportersMr R BeechamLuke DebonoRay EdensorFrode EgelandSheila HallDean KimberleySteve KirbySally PowellCarl MurrayTracey RichardsonAlice RendleJoann SimonAlan Sargeant

Thank youHere are some of the people and organisations that have helped make this year a success. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone, including hundreds of fundraisers and supporters and those that have asked to remain anonymous. We couldn’t make dreams come true without you.

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Feeling social..?Dreamer654

@DCT_charity

dreamscometruecharityTim’s sponsored skydive for Dreams Come True, inspired by his daughter Eliza.

Exchange House 33 Station Road Liphook Hampshire GU30 …€¦ · Dreams Come True Exchange House...

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