Chocolate is what dreams are made of

Savanna Leigh's (16) golden ticket allows her to re-create her dream of entering a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasy. Photo: Peter McIntosh
Savanna Leigh's (16) golden ticket allows her to re-create her dream of entering a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasy. Photo: Peter McIntosh
When Savanna Leigh turned 16 in June she tore the packaging off a chocolate block to find a shimmering golden ticket. She knew exactly what that meant.

''Charlie Bucket, I'm going to be him!'' the Christchurch girl said on Saturday when she realised her dream of re-creating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through a tour of Cadbury World.

Savanna, who has Down syndrome, said she watched both film versions of the Roald Dahl classic ''lots and lots''.

She travelled to Dunedin for the tour at the weekend with her parents, two siblings, uncle and grandmother.

The night before visiting the factory, she stuck the ticket above her bed in anticipation.

''I'm so excited, I just can't believe it,'' she said before entering the building.

The chocolate waterfall from the films was something she was especially keen to see.

Mother Sue Leigh said she had thought about taking Savanna to the factory for some time.

''She always talks about it. I guess the closing of the factory gave us that push.''

Savanna's parents then slipped the ticket in a block of chocolate for her to find.

Her fascination with that world began when she was about 8, Mrs Leigh said.

''Every day she must have music around her. She loves to sing. I think she loves the idea of walking into a factory and being able to explore things.''

Savanna ''loved it'' and, as the family left the tour, she asked when she could come back, Mrs Leigh said.

The family wanted to thank the staff, who gave the family a private tour and a free lunch.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz


 

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