FRONTLINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: REUBEN’S RETREAT
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Reuben’s Retreat was founded in 2012 by Nicola and Mike Graham in memory of their son Reuben who died of a brain tumour, aged 23 months. Almost eight years on, the charity is nearly halfway through the renovations. Juliet Dennis reports
A hydrotherapy pool and sensory and movie room are due to be ready for use by the end of April at Reuben’s Retreat. The latest renovations, phases
four, five and six, were originally due to be completed by autumn last year, but took longer as a result of the time needed to secure further funds for building materials. Some of the building team are also carrying out work on a voluntary basis. The charity is now in the final stages of finishing its new wing at its headquarters on the site of a former hospital in Glossop, Derbyshire, for families of children with life-limiting illnesses or those who have lost a child.
As well as a pool, the new wing will include a messy play room with a stage, a kitchenette and an office. The cost of the latest renovations is about £784,000 to date, but is likely to reach £1 million once completed and fully fitted out. The retreat plans a series of open
days to showcase the work. Founder Nicola Graham said: “It’s important everybody can see first-hand where their support is going, I always say
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that everyone works so hard for their pennies, if they are kind enough to gift them, they should see who their pennies are going to and the difference they are making.” The new pool will have a
range of benefits for many of the children the charity helps, she added. “Many of the children we help don’t get the opportunity to use a pool. A hydrotherapy pool can help with their physiotherapy and gives them an opportunity to be in a pool with their siblings or family, which could boost parent/child confidence and closeness. It may be the only time a parent gets to hold their child due to their height, age or complex needs, meaning cuddles can be few and far between.” The charity is starting to plan the
next round of renovations. Phases seven, eight, nine and 10 include a tea room, apartments for families to stay at the retreat, and landscaping the gardens. Design engineers Cundall and Day Architectural have both committed to working pro- bono, helping to save the charity thousands of pounds. Fundraising has already started
but exact costs will not be known until the plans are fully drawn up later this year.
Meanwhile, the charity has formed its first three-strong support team to help deliver emotional and practical support to families using the retreat, in particular the newly- renovated wing. Reuben’s Retreat now has a staff of 10, up from five last year. Three new trustees have also been appointed to the board, which now has seven trustees.
GET INVOLVED
Supporters are urged to donate £2 a week to help the charity via its website
reubensretreat.org. The charity is planning its first international challenge: a trip to Everest Base Camp in March 2021, led by Reuben’s dad Mike
Graham with Intrepid Travel. Spaces are still available. If you wish to take part, email
fundraising@reubensretreat.org or call 01457 680023.
travelweekly.co.uk
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