Pop superstar Justin Bieber is to help two Swansea cousins with life-threatening illnesses experience a dream holiday – or at least a cardboard cut-out of the American teen idol is.
The life-size promotional cut-out of Justin Bieber is being raffled by Quadrant Shopping Centre’s new arrival The Fragrance Shop to support the Rays of Sunshine charity which aims to make dreams come true for young people like Liam and Lauren Phillips.
The cousins, Liam, aged 18, from St Thomas, and Lauren, 17, from Mayhill, are both living with Cystic Fibrosis.
The two teenagers share the same genetic life limiting condition which affects their lungs and digestive system and means they need daily medication including antibiotics and twice daily physiotherapy.
Laura Barrett, of Rays of Sunshine, said: “Lauren has good days and bad days, but just tries her best to get on with life while Liam is in desperate need of a break after losing another cousin to the same condition last year.
“Liam and Lauren’s greatest wishes are to go on a family trip to Disneyworld in Florida and their wishes will be fulfilled next summer when they fly out for a week-long trip to Florida.
“Money raised by the Fragrance Shop in the Quadrant Centre will help fund Liam and Lauren’s trip and make the wishes of other children living with serious or life limiting conditions across the country come true.”
Karen Strudwick, Manager of The Fragrance Shop in the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help these two lovely young people.
“They are an absolute inspiration to us all. They have so much to deal with but they couldn’t be more pleasant and uncomplaining.
“Rays of Sunshine is our national charity and Fragrance Shops across the country support it.
“We have only been open here in Swansea for a few weeks but we’re already very busy and I’m sure our customers will be happy to support this fund-raising effort in such a good cause.
“Justin Bieber is a massive icon for young people and whoever wins this will be able to have their very own Justin Bieber all to themselves.”
Ian Kirkpatrick, Manager of the Quadrant Centre, said: “The Justin Bieber cut-out is so lifelike, it’s as if he’s there beside you – you half expect him to burst into song.
“I’m sure his fans would love to own something like this and it’s a really good idea to raffle this off and it’s in aid of a marvellous charity.
“Liam and Lauren are lovely, brave young people and they and their families deserve a fabulous break like this.”
