Reuben’s Retreat is to release a video and launch a text message fundraising campaign to mark its fifth anniversary.
The charity was set up by travel professionals Nicola and Mike Graham on August 23, 2012, two days after the death of their son Reuben, aged 23 months, from a rare brain tumour.
To remember Reuben and mark the charity’s achievements and ongoing fundraising needs, a film has been put together to go live on the charity’s YouTube channel.
This will encourage people to help the charity reach its next fundraising level by texting ‘Next23’ and an amount between £1 and £10 to 70070.
A limited-edition mug will also be produced to mark the anniversary.
The charity needs £750,000 to fund the retreat’s next three phases of development. This will pay for a hydrotherapy pool, arts, crafts and messy play area, sensory room and movie room, office space, reception and volunteers’ quarters.
So far, three of 10 planned phases of building work have been carried out. In total, Reuben’s Retreat still needs about £2.5 million, including the £750,000, to complete the conversion of the former hospital in Glossop in the Peak District.
Once completed, the retreat will feature five self-contained apartments and tea room, as well as the existing counselling and bereavement support centre.
Ultimately, it aims to offer 400 three and four-night breaks to families of sick children a year.
To date, 252 families have been supported.
Nicola, who previously worked for Red Sea Holidays, said: “We’ve had some incredible successes but we still have a long way to go.
“It’s been hard work and we only currently have four full-time staff.”
The charity has revealed it is now looking to recruit three employees to focus on community, corporate and event fundraising.
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Tipto raises £3,000 for Reuben’s Retreat
Reuben’s Retreat receives £150,000 from Thomas Cook Children’s Charity