Future Dreams is an inspirational charity supporting anyone touched by breast cancer. It was founded by mother and daughter Sylvie Henry and Danielle Leslie who were both diagnosed with breast cancer and who died within 18 months of each other, in 2009.
Their dream to was to make sure that nobody should ever have to face this illness on their own. They set up Future Dreams to raise funds for support, awareness and research and the charity has raised over £7.5m since the start in 2008 through star-studded galas, events and innovative campaigns.
The statistics are sobering: 1 in 7 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and every ten minutes in the UK someone is told they have breast cancer. The long term impact of the pandemic is alarming; in October 2021, nearly 1.5 million women missed their breast screening, which may lead to a steep rise in cases and late diagnoses with less positive outcomes as it is proven that early detection saves lives.
The charity opened Future Dreams House in October 2021, the only specialist breast cancer support centre in the UK. Visitors to the house are able to access in-person and virtual support services including image workshops, life-coaching, financial advice, nutritional advice on exercise and healthy eating, post-surgery bra fittings as well as other vital support services for those going through treatment and their families.
Numerous brands were generous in donating and sponsoring products and time for the refurbishment of the 7,000 sq ft building, including Little Green paints, Howdens, Bosch and Sage. Diespeker was thrilled to come on board after being approached by architect and Trustee Sam Jacobs.
Sam was originally looking at Silestone for the kitchen island but the Art Director on another Future Dreams campaign suggested terrazzo as being more of a joyful option. She was particularly drawn to TE114, a vibrant, contemporary terrazzo design which has proved popular in statement kitchens. Diespeker agreed to discount the price by 50% to help keep costs down. The terrazzo was so well received that Sam made a second request for TE114 for the main kitchen worktop, which we were happy to supply with the same discounts.
The island and countertop included a polished finish and square polished edge. Sam told us the installers were excellent and the joints were brilliantly executed to be near-invisible. TE114 includes green tones, which are being organically picked up in the design for the terrace area.
Behind the interior design concepts is the hope that they will help to act as a distraction – and the terrazzo could indeed be a conversation piece for visitors. Future Dreams ambassador, chef and food writer Melissa Hemsley was key to the development and design of the kitchen where demonstrations, workshops and nutritional advice will be one of the core services for the visitors.
The kitchen will also provide meals for visitors which will be seasonal and prepared by qualified volunteers and celebrity chefs connected with the charity. There are plans to stream the workshops so nutritional information is shared to a wider breast cancer community globally.
We are pleased to be able to support the inspirational Future Dreams House with its amazing aims to help all those touched by breast cancer.
If you’d like to make a donation to the charity, attend a fundraising event or even volunteer your time, please visit:
