Feedback & Testimonials
We love getting feedback from our beneficiaries because we use it to shape and evolve our services. If you have been supported by Reuben’s Retreat and would to send us your story or testimonial, please email it support@reubensretreat.org. Here are a few examples of our families comments…
“I’ve heard about your plans for building a hydrotherapy suite at Reuben’s Retreat and I just wanted to say how amazing I think it is. My daughter Evie and her friends all have a range of complex needs and conditions, some of which are life shortening, and would all benefit so much from hydrotherapy. Dystonia is a common symptom amongst them all and the relaxing, warm water would help them considerably. Unfortunately, in the Stockport area it is very difficult to get slots for the pool at Stepping Hill Hospital and as far as I’m aware there aren’t any other facilities we can use. When I heard about your plans I was so excited as we will finally have somewhere we could use that will help our children so much. The added bonus of your plans including a sensory room and play room would mean we could have a full day enjoying all the facilities you have to offer without the worry of whether our children will be able to access them or not. I can’t tell you how important and rare that is. We think you’re amazing and can’t wait to see all these exciting new facilities.”
Christine Appleyard
“Since losing our precious daughter, Erin, 19 months ago to Leukaemia, life has been unbearable. Nicola and her team at RR have been a massive support and words cannot thank them enough. Not only have they supported us with counselling and Reiki, but most recently a break in Wales. We have had to overcome many hurdles and ‘first times’ of doing things without Erin, one of the hardest being booking a holiday. Reubens Retreat arranged and booked a weeks break in Wales, which helped take away the pain of booking for two instead of three and gave us the push we needed to take a break. The cottage we stayed in was beautiful, quaint and cosy in a peaceful village just outside Conwy. We did a lot of walking and re-visited places we have been with Erin. Although the holiday was extremely tough, very emotional and a huge part of our family was missing, it was the time we both needed away from home, work and day to day challenges to rest, reflect and find some peace. Reubens Retreat is an invaluable organisation to support families facing challenges with child illness and bereavement.”
Cath & Steve Eddleston
“A huge thank you to all at Reuben’s Retreat for our holiday, it came at a time when we had been through so much as a family and for a charity to take the time to listen to our story then offer us a few days away paid for , is such a lovely thing to do. When you spend time in and out of the hospital with your child it’s tough, not only on them as there are seriously ill, but for the whole family unit, it has a knock-on effect on the whole family. It’s just so nice to get away for a few days and spend quality time together, where the thoughts of the hospital, doctors, nurses and procedures go to the back for your mind for a few days. I just wish there were more things like this widely available.”
Mrs A Cavagin
“Hello, I’m Kerry, mum of Lucie. Lucie has cerebral palsy due to a brain injury when she was 4 days old. This has led to Lucie being a full-time wheelchair user and dependent on me, her dad, brother and sister for all care needs. In fact, Lucie is totally dependent on others and cannot care for herself. I was nominated by Lucie’s school nurse to have a pamper session at Seraphina in Ashton, alongside some other mummies. It was fantastic to have a few hours to myself and to meet other mummies who were on the special needs journey. I spent time with one of the counsellors and was able to talk about the future and fears I have for Lucie without having to hide how hard it can be having a child with a disability. I feel that it allowed me to be able to put life into a bit more of a perspective and regroup my thoughts to carry on. There are very few support systems locally who understand the journey you go through and I believe that Reuben’s Retreat is going to be the trailblazer for the children of today and the future. This will help everyone see that disability should not be hidden but differences celebrated and inclusion is for all. Lucie and I recently attended a music therapy afternoon which Lucie loved. Its little things like this that make me feel included and not segregated from our local society. Finding accessible and inclusive activities is near non-existent in our community. I’m hopeful that some respite may be offered in the future as finding and trusting anyone to look after Lucie so we can have a break is impossible. I always share the good work of Reuben’s retreat and have raised money for this fantastic charity. Nicola and the team are fantastic and I always feel very emotional when I see them as they are 100% committed to families like mine. I believe that the support they offer is invaluable and it’s just what we need in our community.”
Kerry Williams
“I have a son of 11 years called James. At the age of 7 months old, he contracted bacterial meningitis and was very poorly. It left him with a severe brain injury which means he is fully dependent on others to meet all his needs. I struggle with anxiety daily because of James’ vulnerability. For something as mild as a cold James needs medical support in the hospital to get him through it. I heard about Reubens Retreat through a friend at my hairdressers. From first making contact they have been so supportive and have arranged therapy and counselling for me to help ease my anxiety. It really helps so much emotionally and physically. Its a great comfort to know that the retreat is there. The team are all friendly and understanding.”
Paula Bennett
“Just a quick email to say thank you for inviting me on the “Dads Ramble” on Saturday. William was an excellent guide throughout the day. The three dads all got on well with a few laughs along the way. It was also nice to talk about our situation in a way that only other bereaved dads could possibly understand. The hot food after the walk at Lymefields was most welcoming and very tasty indeed, I opted for the “Steak n Ale” pie washed down with a bespoke beer !! Many thanks again for asking me to come along.”
Steve Eddleston
“We feel so extremely lucky to have been invited on the Flight of Dreams with Reuben’s Retreat… we all had a truly magical day, very special memories were made that will never be forgotten. Thank you for adding a sparkle to our Christmas”.
Karen Turton
Our Blog View all
Grateful for where we are at…
Grateful for where we’re at …excited about where we’re going… Right now the Reuben’s Retreat offices are an absolute hive of frenzied activity as we begin the countdown to our most prestigious event… and this year’s REUBall will be our greatest yet! It’s truly an evening of love, laughter and memory-making, sprinkled with a few…
24th June
Brave Bananas
Good afternoon to our regular readers and hello to new friends! In anticipation of the fabulous new facilities currently being created through Phase 4, 5 and 6 renovations and the stratospheric impact they’ll have on our services for children and young people, we are delighted to share that Sarah Leah has been appointed to the…
1st June
What's Happening View all
Upcoming Events
Our most up-to-date information can be found on our Facebook Events page, but here’s a taster of Reuben’s Retreat’s upcoming activities… 12th October 2019 (2 x ½ day sessions): Worry Wizard The Worry Wizard Funshops are a creative way for children, and the adults who care for them, to develop an active relationship with…
REUBall 2020
Our next annual ball will take place on Saturday, 4th July 2020 at The Village Hotel in Bury. Reserve your places for REUBall 2020 now! Tickets cost £60 per person, with a £20 per person, non refundable deposit due at the time of booking (balance due early April 2020). You can purchase the tickets here…
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