Reuben’s Retreat, a children’s charity with sites in Ashton Under Lyne and Glossop has just celebrated a huge milestone. Last month would have seen Reuben, the boy who inspired the start of the charity, turn 10.

Sadly, Reuben passed away in his mummy’s arms at just 23 months and since then the charity has worked in his memory to help support other families coping with child bereavement or those with a complex or terminally ill child.

Since the launch in 2012 Reuben’s Retreat has gone from strength to strength, raising sufficient funds to help renovate The Retreat in Glossop that has helped to support more than 920 families. Now the small team of 10 has big plans for the future and aren’t letting the current pandemic get in the way.

The team are renovating their forever home, The Retreat in phases. Phases 1 to 3, ‘The Lodge at Reuben’s’, their bereavement support centre was completed in 2017. They are now nearing completion of phases 4 to 6 of their ambitious 10 phase project. Phases 4 to 6 will house a fully accessible activity wing with hydrotherapy pool, sensory area, chill zone, parents’ kitchen and a welcoming reception. The final phases will include three, large fully accessible apartments for families to visit, creating magical memories together. 

Throughout the pandemic the hardworking team has gone the extra mile to ensure people still get the support they need when times are even tougher.

Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mummy, and charity CEO, said:

 “Now more than ever given the situation the world sees itself in people need our support and care.

“Caring for a child with complex health needs or navigating child loss have complications that don’t stop during a pandemic, which is why our team has gone above and beyond to raise the worthwhile funds to continue renovating The Retreat, whilst still offering the much needed support to families that need us.

“The milestone of what would have been Reuben’s 10th birthday was very poignant and was the culmination of a wealth of activity from the start of lockdown that saw us get involved in some great fundraising initiatives and develop several bespoke support schemes. We’d like to thank everyone for their part in Reuben’s journey and all the wonderful support gifted so far.”

Throughout lockdown and the ongoing pandemic, the team has completed a range of challenges and fundraising activity, here is a Reuben’s Round Up to see what’s gone on and how you can get involved in future activity.

Despite Covid-19 Reuben’s Retreat has been able to support 167 families. Since lockdown was announced in March they have provided 1,685 one to one support sessions, 155 counselling sessions, 278 group support sessions and safely delivered 498 bespoke care packages. Throughout the pandemic the team has also continued its ambitious build project and hope to take delivery of its fully accessible wing in the next month or so. The fully inclusive facility will propel its services even further, meaning the charity can reach and support more families.

For more information, to donate to Reuben’s Retreat or for support/advice see:www.reubensretreat.org

 

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