Our Story

A unique charity, Future Dreams, set up by Sylvie and Danielle, a loving mother and daughter, was born out of those emotions - feelings they knew well. In a devastating blow, they were diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time. Danielle was just 35, the mother of three young children. The bond between any mother and daughter is extraordinarily strong but these two women created a powerhouse of love and compassion, appreciating they had the most incredible support system of family and friends. In that respect they knew they were lucky and so their dream was to make sure that nobody should ever have to face this illness on their own. Future Dreams represents the start of a new journey - of setting out to do the impossible and a testament to two extraordinary women who refused to see breast cancer as an end.

Breast cancer may happen to an individual but it sends waves through the lives of everyone who loves them. Over 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes according to Breast Cancer Care. That is 50,000 families and friendship groups who are affected. Thankfully nearly 80% will survive ten years or more and the vital support all sufferers are given on that journey is what Future Dreams is about.

Sylvie and Danielle were as alike as they were different and both qualified dance and performing arts teachers. Beautiful, smart, effervescent and charming, Sylvie, had the ability to walk into a room and bring it to a standstill. Ostensibly the stronger, feistier and more challenging by contrast, her daughter Danielle, was softer and more vulnerable. But when the chips were down she scooped her mother up with a strength even she didn’t know she had.

They decided to use their love of the theatre, singing and dancing (both had trained at the Royal Academy of Dance) to raise funds by putting on a West End show persuading the cream of theatre land to give their services for free. They raised £300,000, and, despite failing health, Sylvie took to the stage and had 1,500 people on their feet as she thanked them for their support. Two further shows were organised and their army of supporters has since hosted annual lunches, auctions and fashion shows. To date, the charity has raised over £2million for breast cancer research and their goal now is to raise £5million to fund Future Dreams House, home to The Breast Cancer Haven support centre in Central London. This will be the largest centre in the UK, where women living and working across North, East and Central London, Hertfordshire and Essex and their loved ones can come for practical help and emotional support.