Reuben’s Retreat has launched a last push to reach its £1 million fundraising target by the end of July.
So far, it has raised £908,000, much of which has been collected from travel industry events and fundraising by individuals in the trade.
Now founders Nicola and Mike Graham are encouraging supporters in the industry to help them raise the final £92,000 to reach £1 million to fund the retreat in parkland in the Peak District, 20 miles from Manchester.
The building has been purchased but now needs to be renovated. Phase one, a bereavement, counselling and support centre, will open next year.
The retreat is in memory of Reuben Graham, who died from a brain tumour in August 2012.
The end of July will be 23 months since Reuben’s death – and the age he was when he died.
Nicola, who previously worked for Red Sea Holidays, urged travel agents to do raffles and cake sales in their shops. Readers can also donate by texting BUIL23 followed by the amount, for example, £10, to 70070.
She added: “The travel industry has been our springboard for fundraising. If every reader of Travel Weekly gave just £10 we would smash our target.”