‘It’s an honour to restore it to its former glory’
Nicola Graham, 50, is the founder and CEO of charity Reuben’s Retreat, in Glossop, Derbyshire.
We were on holiday in August 2012 when the bottom dropped out of our world. Unbeknown to anyone, our 23-month-old son, Reuben, had a brain tumour, and died within days of diagnosis. We had hoped to donate his organs, but it wasn’t to be. We were determined his life would mean something, so I decided to create a haven called Reuben’s Retreat for families of poorly children and those who had suffered child loss, where they could come together for fun times and to make memories.
I founded our charity with an initial target of raising £1 million in 23 months. During that time, Woods Hospital was presented to us. I thought we would have no chance of buying it, but we decided to go for it.
It was derelict. We drew up a 10-phase plan to transform it, and have converted the caretaker’s house and porter’s lodge into a bereavement and support centre, landscaped the grounds and made the main building watertight. We’ve continued to fundraise to create a hydro pool, and a sensory, movie, play and chill zone – all spaces where families can make memories. We continue to fundraise for the future phases, comprising three accessible family apartments, so that families can holiday with us.
We are already working with lots of families. The more we fundraise, the more we renovate, and the more we renovate, the more we can offer them.
The building was originally gifted to the town by the Wood family in 1889, and now it’s ours. It’s an honour and a privilege to be restoring it to its former glory.
reubensretreat.org
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing