STAFF at Ashton-based law firm Bromleys have chosen Reuben’s Retreat, which provides support to families bereaved of a child and those with complexly poorly children, as their charity of the year for 2022.
Reuben’s Retreat is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and is raising funds to meet its ongoing costs as well as for its multi-million pound Forever Home in Glossop.
The charity was founded in August 2012 by the family of Reuben Michael Graham, who died aged 23 months old from an inoperable brain tumour.
His family launched Reuben’s Retreat just two days after his death to provide a safe place for families to ‘relax, recharge, remember and rebuild’.
Initially based in Ashton, the charity purchased the former Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014 for its base, with Bromleys carrying out conveyancing work for no charge.
Reuben’s Retreat has supported more than 1,300 individuals across the UK by providing peer-led monthly support groups, meditation evenings, weekend rambles, one-to-one counselling and holistic therapy sessions for parents and siblings as well as regular music and animal therapy, bespoke memory making and memorial events.
The charity also arranges respite and bereavement breaks, allowing families bereaved of a child to remember and rebuild, and those with a complexly ill child to relax and recharge.
Reuben’s Retreat recently completed an activity wing at its HQ, which houses a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room and playroom with chill zone.
When completed, the Forever Home will feature five apartments where families can create memories during however much time they have.
Nicola, Reuben’s mum, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be Bromleys’ chosen charity, especially after what has been a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic for all.
“We have grown so much more since those early days of receiving Bromleys’ support when we purchased our Retreat nearly eight years ago.
“Our vision is to continue to offer emotional and practical support to families bereaved of a child, and those families facing an uncertain future with their medically complexed child.
“Bromleys’ support will be key to building on these many milestones as we commit to the next building project so that we are able to reach more families.”
Bromleys partner Paul Westwell added: “It is great to once again be involved with supporting this worthwhile cause.
“The support offered by Reuben’s Retreat to all of its users is exemplary in so many respects, and Bromleys is proud to continue our long association with the charity.”
• Bromleys is based in Ashton provides comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses. For more information visit www.bromleys.co.uk.
For more information on the charity, visit www.reubensretreat.org