Special Report: Reuben’s Retreat in last push for £1m before final build

Creating memories

Graham said: “We hope to break ground this autumn. This vision is about more than a build; it’s about making sure more families have the chance to create lasting memories together, particularly those who might not have that opportunity otherwise.”

This final scheme includes three phases and represents a £2.7 million investment. It will deliver four sizeable self-catering holiday suites, including two fully accessible, specially designed spaces with hoist systems and generous layouts, ensuring more families can enjoy a break that truly meets their needs.

Each space will be bespoke, explained Graham. “We have a number of families with more than one wheelchair; we need to ensure that we cater for all,” she said. “This could be a family’s only opportunity to make memories.”

She emphasised that positive momentum and continued support are driving fundraising forward, despite the challenging geopolitical backdrop.

As part of the final fundraising push, businesses and individuals across the industry are being invited to sponsor bricks. These will form part of a colourful ‘forever’ wall of gratitude in the heritage hallway near the new apartments.

Graham explained that every engraved brick “tells a story” as part of the “living legacy of Reuben’s Retreat”. With donations at £123 per brick, some companies have created entire sections of the wall, incorporating their logos and personalising individual bricks with team and travel agency branch names.

Greater access to services

Graham is keen for more high street brands to join the campaign and have their names featured on the wall. Travel firms including Travel Counsellors, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises and Panache Cruises have already pledged their support.

Once complete, the retreat will significantly widen access to its support services. Currently, only families within a 1.5-hour return journey can realistically attend, leaving many who could benefit just out of reach.

“Once we complete the retreat, we can invite people from all over the UK – potentially worldwide – because they will be able to stay here,” said Graham.

However, the fundraising will not stop there, as it costs about £500,000  to run the retreat each year, and that figure is set to double. 

“I want to raise our profile and strengthen our corporate partnerships. Expanding our presence in key areas will be vital to helping us reach the finish line,” she said.

The travel industry remains central to the charity’s ongoing mission. 

“It is the foundation of everything we’re building,” Graham noted. 

“It is where I met my husband, and now it’s also part of my son’s journey as he begins his career.”

She added: “We are making treasured memories for Reuben, and we would not be who we are without the travel industry. We feel so loved by this sector.”