Building together to complete the retreat

On Saturday 23 August, Glossop is invited to come together for a special community day on behalf of local charity Rueben’s Retreat.

The day will celebrate the arrival of local hero Stacey Copeland - an England representative in both football and boxing and passionate supporter of Reuben’s Retreat. Stacey is cycling all the way from Bristol to Glossop, retracing the final journey made by Reuben Graham, the little boy whose legacy inspired the charity. 

The event will take place in Norfolk Square from 12-3pm, where visitors can enjoy music, stalls, entertainment, and a warm welcome for Stacey. The day will conclude with a symbolic walk to Reuben’s Retreat, completing the journey together and shining a light on the charity’s vital work. 

Rebecca Edgington, Head of Fundraising, said, “We’re aiming to turn the town Reu-Blue in honour of our amazing families, supporters, and our ongoing journey to #CompleteTheRetreat. It’s going to be a vibrant, feel-good day filled with community spirit, entertainment, and love.” 

Reuben’s Retreat is a Glossop-based charity founded in 2012 in memory of Reuben Graham, who sadly passed away aged just 23 months. The charity supports families facing the heart-breaking reality of a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, offering counselling, peer support, respite breaks, and therapeutic activities to help families make precious memories and find comfort. 

This community day is part of the charity’s ‘One in a Million’ campaign, aiming to raise the final £1 million needed to complete the interconnecting studio and family suites in their holiday accommodation, where families can relax, remember and make precious memories. 

The retreat, located on the Old Woods Hospital site, has already seen six phases completed out of ten, including a bereavement support centre and activity wing. The completion of the accommodation suites will enable families to enjoy short breaks onsite, making treasured memories in the sanctuary of the Retreat without the burden of long journeys. 

Supporters can get involved by following and sharing Reuben’s Retreat on social media, joining or hosting fundraising events, pledging monthly donations, or contributing through the ‘Brick by Brick’ initiative - a legacy project where supporters can leave a lasting mark with a £123 brick. 

Reuben’s Retreat provides a warm, safe, and understanding environment where families can connect with others in similar situations, find comfort, and begin to rebuild their lives. You can find out more at: www.reubensretreat.org