Reuben’s Retreat is calling on the travel industry to back its Brick By Brick campaign as it approaches the final £1 million needed to complete its retreat for families of children with complex medical needs or those who have lost a child.
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The charity, founded in 2012 after the death of Reuben Michael Graham, aims to finish the build by autumn.
The final stage involves a two-year programme to design and furnish four holiday suites at a former hospital site. This £2.7 million project will include two fully accessible suites with hoist systems, ensuring families with multiple wheelchair users can enjoy a break. Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mother and founder, emphasised the importance of creating lasting memories for families who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The campaign invites businesses and individuals to sponsor toy bricks for a permanent wall of gratitude. Each brick, costing £123, can be personalised, with some companies already creating sections featuring their logos. Travel Counsellors, Virgin Voyages, and MSC & Panache Cruises are among those supporting the initiative.
Graham highlighted the travel industry’s crucial role, stating, “The industry remains central to our ongoing mission. It’s the foundation of everything we’re building.” The retreat currently costs £500,000 annually to run, a figure expected to double post-completion. The charity hopes to invite families from across the UK and potentially worldwide once the retreat is finished.