A CHARITY which supports Tameside families is hoping a new fundraising drive will prove to be ‘one in a million’.
Reuben’s Retreat is entering the final stage of its ambition to finish the building of its ‘forever home’.
The new campaign to raise £1 million mirrors the initial target set when the charity was first founded in August 2012, following the death of Reuben Graham aged 23 months.
Reuben’s mum and charity founder Nicola Graham pledged to raise £1 million in 23 months to purchase the site in Glossop where the charity helps to support families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities.
Supporters rose to the challenge to smash the fundraising target, which allowed Reuben’s Retreat to purchase the former Wood’s Hospital and begin renovations – planned in 10 phases.
The charity now needs to replicate that success to realise its mission to complete the building work.
“When Reuben passed away, the £1 million target was very much a tangible goal to hold on to as we navigated our grief and we were overwhelmed, not just by people’s generosity but by their love and support,” Nicola explained.
“Many of those initial fundraisers are still huge advocates for our cause and we are calling on them, and those new to our charity, to help us smash this ambitious target and create a special and much-needed sanctuary for the families we support.”
The final stages consist of four self-catering holiday suites for family beneficiaries, including two fully accessible ground-floor apartments, situated in a wing of the Retreat’s main building.
“The apartments will enable us to offer support to the ever-growing number of families who need it and offer them more opportunities to spend invaluable family time together,” Nicola added.
With a special logo created for the ‘One in a Million’ campaign, special events and fundraising activities are also planned, which the charity says will be announced in due course.
More information about the campaign, including how to donate, can be found on Reuben’s Retreat’s website at www.reubensretreat.org/get-involved/fundraising/one-in-a-million/