NORTH WEALD: Charity makes a dream come true (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

NORTH WEALD: Charity makes a dream come true

3:06pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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IT was a dream come true for a 21-year-old who was treated to tea at the Ritz after being picked up in a pink limousine.

Emma Rolfe, 21 from North Weald has down's syndrome and was given a day out to remember by children's charity the Dream Factory, founded by Avril Mills from Epping.

Emma and her mother Jan regularly went to Costa Coffee on Epping High Street for a cup of tea, but little did they know what would come from their visits.

Mrs Rolfe said: “We met Avril's daughter, who is also called Emma, because she used to work in Costa Coffee. She told her mother all about my daughter and they decided they wanted to organise a dream for her. It was such a surprise.”

Emma and her mother, sister and grandmother were then given the chance to swap their usual trip to Costa Coffee for afternoon tea at the Ritz.

Mrs Rolf said: “My daughter doesn't get to do very much because of her syndrome and she's with me all the time but she does like to go out for tea and ride in the car looking out of the window.

"It was a wonderful day and even though she doesn't have very good speech, she has been talking about it. It was perfect for her.

"Normally I have to organise things to keep her occupied, so not only was it a lovely treat for Emma it was an afternoon off for myself as well.

"I can't thank the Dream Factory enough. It's a great charity and the day out was something we will always remember.”