The town of Glossop and wider High Peak community came together in their hundreds on Saturday to support Reuben’s Retreat, in honour of the charity’s ongoing mission to complete their build.
The special 'Celebration Day' welcomed home local hero Stacey Copeland, an England representative in both football and boxing, and passionate supporter of Reuben’s Retreat, as she completed an extraordinary 200+ mile cycle from Bristol to Glossop.
Stacey’s three-day challenge alongside her team: Uncles Neil and Tony and close friend Catherine, and supported by her Dad Eddie and sister Poppy, retraced the final journey made by Reuben Graham, the little boy whose legacy inspired the charity. Rueben passed away on 21 August 2012 at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, and just two days later Reuben’s mum Nicola Graham founded the charity in his memory.
On arrival at Norfolk Square, Stacey was greeted with cheers, applause, and a day of celebration. Visitors enjoyed stalls selling plants and cakes, a bustling tombola with generous prizes, sunflower sales, live music from a local busker, and a special performance by the drama department. The day concluded with a symbolic community walk to Reuben’s Retreat, completing Stacey’s journey together and shining a light on the charity’s vital work.
Photo: Catherine Beaver, Tony Copeland, Stacey Copeland, Neil Vaughan and Reuben's Retreat VIP Guest Grace
Reflecting on her ride, Stacey said: “Raising money for charities in society is needed, and they need us. We wanted to honour Reuben's journey mile by mile, drawing attention to the importance of any and every child in heaven being remembered. We carried the Graham family in our hearts and it comes down to the beauty of compassion, the power of love, and the gifts we have as human beings.
We felt the kindness of people on this ride. Every human is an individual, some have extremely tough lives, some seemingly very charmed lives, but we all experience the same things. Heartbreak, tragedy, and loss is unavoidable, but by being here today you have chosen hope. My hope is that you leave here filled with hope and take that with you.”
Stacey’s inspiring challenge has already raised over £5,000 for Reuben’s Retreat, with donations continuing to come in.
Rebecca Edgington, Head of Fundraising at Reuben’s Retreat, added: “The whole Glossop and High Peak community came out to support us today, it was loud, compassionate, and filled with open hearts. Turning Glossop ‘REUBlue’ in true Reuben fashion means so much to us. From sunflower and plant sales cared for by our gardening volunteers, to live entertainment and families gathering in support, today was about love, community spirit, and raising awareness of the work we do to help families in need.”
The event also helped to propel Reuben’s Retreat’s ‘Brick by Brick’ campaign, a legacy project offering supporters the chance to leave a lasting mark by purchasing a £123 brick to help complete the Retreat. Supporters, fundraisers, and families came forward on the day to pledge their involvement, helping drive the charity closer to its One in a Million appeal target, raising the final £1 million needed to complete its interconnecting studio and family suites.
Reuben’s Retreat provides holistic and therapeutic support for families after the loss of a child and families of medically complexed children who may face an uncertain future. The charity’s focus is now to complete the retreat so that they may support more families. They current support 800+ individuals.
To find out more or to support the ‘Brick by Brick’ campaign, please visit: www.reubensretreat.org
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