Reuben’s Retreat has completed the purchase of premises in the Peak District to create a retreat in memory of toddler Reuben Graham.
The charity was set up by Nicola Graham, formerly of Red Sea Holidays and husband Mike, of Celebrity Cruises, following the sudden death of their son in August 2012.
Reuben’s Retreat has now raised more than £700,000 in 20 months and aims to raise £1 million by the end of July.
The charity picked up the keys to a large property in parkland 12 miles from Manchester after becoming the official new owners of the site yesterday, April 23. Reuben was 23 months old when he died of a rare brain tumour.
“We pushed for the 23rd because it is significant number to Reuben,” admitted Nicola.
She added: “It was an overwhelming and emotional day, with many tears. There were tears of pride and sadness. We are pleased and humbled by all we have achieved. My dream would be to bring Reuben home; our vision now is to create a lasting legacy in his memory.”
Phase one will be to create a bereavement, counselling and support centre in a lodge near the main building, to open it in the autumn of this year. Included in phase one is a movie room, hydrotherapy pool, messy play and sensory rooms.
The initial funding will pay for this but after that the charity needs to raise more money to renovate and convert the main building into a retreat for families with children suffering life threatening illnesses nationwide. The charity aims to create four apartments for families within two to three years in the hope of looking after 200 families a year.
Nic said: “We have got the bricks and mortar but we now need support more than ever for the next phases of development.”
Reuben’s Retreat is already counselling families and has two trained counsellors working for the charity. It is also offering retreat breaks through its partnership with Hoseasons.
The next major fundraising event for the charity will be the Great Manchester Run on May 18. Former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh – who recently quit the show after playing Hayley Cropper for 16 years – and her husband Ian Kershaw will be pounding the pavements to help raise funds for the charity.