HUNDREDS of guests came together for an evening of entertainment and fundraising to support a charity helping families across Tameside and beyond.
Reuben’s Retreat, which helps families facing the loss of a child or caring for children with life-limiting or complex medical conditions, raised almost £43,000 at its annual fundraising ball.
The charity welcomed 400 guests to The Midland Hotel in Manchester for its annual REUBall recently.
Hosted by TV and radio presenter Aled Jones alongside charity founder Nicola Graham, the evening featured musical entertainment from The Drama Dept, laughter and a few surprises.
One guest even offered to donate £1,000 to hear Aled sing the Welsh National Anthem, prompting an impromptu performance from the presenter.
But beyond the entertainment, the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the community that has grown around the charity and the families it supports.
Aled said: “I have met Nicola several times at fundraising events and was really touched when she asked me to be her co-host for the REUBall. It was an outstanding night and I was struck by the incredible atmosphere in the room.
“There was such a strong sense of community, love and genuine support for the charity. All the guests were there because they believe in the Reuben’s Retreat cause that no family should be left unsupported. It really came across throughout the evening and it was a real privilege to be a part of it.”
‘A very unique and moving experience’
Reuben’s Retreat was founded in August 2012 following the death of Nicola’s son, Reuben Graham, aged 23 months.
Nicola wanted to create a place where families experiencing the devastating loss of a child could find support and a safe space. The charity has since expanded its work to help families caring for children with life-limiting or complex medical conditions and now supports 800 individuals.
Based just over the border in Glossop, the charity is working to complete its retreat, bringing Nicola’s long-held vision to life. Facilities already completed include rooms for bereavement support, a wellbeing centre and a state-of-the-art activity wing offering holistic therapies, hydrotherapy and sensory play experiences.
The final stages of the project will include three purpose-built, fully accessible self-contained apartments where families can spend precious time together away from the pressures of everyday life. Two further apartments will provide accommodation for bereaved families.
Nicola said the response at the ball had been particularly moving.
“Standing on stage at any event is nerve-wracking but honestly every time I present at our annual REUball I can just feel the love coming right at me,” she said.
“It’s a very unique and moving experience and I think everyone in The Midland felt it on the night.
“We were overwhelmed that over 40 new supporters signed up to complete exciting fundraising challenges in 2027. Feedback from these precious supporters shows us that they were so inspired by the charity and most importantly hearing directly from our families.
“Their commitment means we can keep delivering vital support for beneficiaries alongside the mammoth task of completing the Retreat. Every person who gets behind Reuben’s Retreat brings us closer to creating a place where even more families can find support, make memories and be together.”
The charity is now encouraging more people to get involved in its fundraising efforts as work continues to complete the retreat and extend the support available to families.