Charity Reuben’s Retreat has had a cash offer accepted on a 1.4 acre site for its planned retreat for families.
The 20-bedroom building in the northwest of England will be renovated to accommodate families with children suffering life-threatening illnesses.
The charity, founded by former and current industry employees Nicola and Mike Graham, has set a target of £1 million to raise by the end of July 2014, which includes the cost of the building, renovation work and running costs for the first year. Already over £500,000 has been raised.
Nicola described the property as “incredible”, but added: “We still have some way to go.”
Project manager Alison Rothwell said the site would be renovated to make it suitable for the charity’s needs, adding: “This is not just for families in the northwest but for families nationwide and worldwide.”
The charity also received another boost this week with news it will be able to offer free-of-charge holidays to families in need thanks to support from Hoseasons’ lodge and caravan owners.
This followed a presentation by Nicola about the charity at the Hoseasons Owners Conference, where over £4,000 was raised in donations.
“Accommodation has been offered free of charge at a selection of UK locations to provide respite breaks; it’s almost a ‘virtual’ Reuben’s Retreat,” said Rothwell. “We’d like to thank all those who supported us.”
The charity is also being supported on Thomson Airways’ flights into Manchester, with cabin crew announcing details of the charity over the tannoy and urging passengers to donate their spare change to the cause.