IN THE PICTURE
Industry skydivers raise £24k for Reuben’s Retreat
A
team of travel industry professionals has raised more than £24,000 for Reuben’s Retreat with a
skydive in blustery conditions. The event was organised in
partnership with Virgin Voyages, whose sales director SJ Walker assembled a group of 21 volunteers who each fundraised individually ahead of the challenge, which took place at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Lancaster on June 14. Together, they had raised a total
of £24,035 as Travel Weekly went to press, which will go towards the building project launched by Reuben’s Retreat 11 years ago to convert a former hospital site in Derbyshire into a retreat for families of children with complex medical needs or those who have lost a child. Only 12 of the group were able to complete their jump, from a height of 15,000ft, due to strong winds on the day, with the other nine set to return in the future. The group included Advantage Travel Partnership commercial
travelweekly.co.uk
We had a real opportunity to use the Virgin Voyages brand and the partnerships we have developed to benefit the cause
director John Sullivan, Barrhead managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell and Travelzoo head of sales Sam Conway. Walker came up with the
idea after she visited Reuben’s Retreat with other Virgin Voyages staff last October. “As soon as you walk into the
retreat, there’s a real sense of magic,” she said. “They’ve achieved so much in a short space of time, but it’s clear there’s still a massive job left to do and to complete the retreat they need the funds. “I thought we had a real
opportunity to use the Virgin Voyages brand and the partnerships we have developed
in the trade to benefit the cause. It was a no-brainer for us and I got to work organising it as soon as I got back to the office.” Walker said: “I contacted
industry champions and asked them, ‘How do you feel about heights?’ Once I’d explained what I was planning, some people confirmed straight away, whereas others said they would like to contribute but did not want to do the skydive, which is fair enough!” Walker said there was a “real sense of camaraderie” on the day and the opportunity gave people a chance to strengthen existing relationships. Reuben’s Retreat founder Nicola
Graham said: “We would not be the charity we are today were it not for amazing hearts like SJ and the immense support she has managed to galvanise through her hard work and tenacity.
“I am beyond grateful to every member of the team for taking to the skies so that we can continue to make a difference to others.”
JUMPERS’ VIEWS
John Sullivan, Advantage Travel Partnership
“It was epic beyond all belief and a really unique experience. It’s only a small gesture towards Reuben’s Retreat’s life-changing and life-saving work, but if it’s a gesture that can help, then I’m delighted.”
Gina Roddy, Bolsover Cruise Club “We organised
a ‘scarlet day’ at our office to raise money [for Reuben’s Retreat] and the reaction from the team was amazing – we raised over £1,000 on that day alone. The kindness that people have in them is amazing.”
Lindsay Haslehurst, Cruise118 “I’ve always
wanted to do a skydive and there was no better reason than to raise money for Reuben’s Retreat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m becoming a bit of an adrenaline junkie now I’m a bit older.”
26 JUNE 2025
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PICTURES: Rebecca Edgington; Black Knights Skydiving Centre; Shutterstock/Vladimir Zhoga
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