Family Stories & Testimonials
Here are just a few testimonials and stories from the families we have supported, if you have been supported by Reuben’s Retreat and wish to send us your story or testimonial please email it support@reubensretreat.org
“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
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Happy New Year
The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals Welcome 2019, we’ve been waiting excitedly for you! Our goals for the coming year are pretty monumental! They’ll see us begin to transform our spaces with a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and…
2nd January
Merry Christmas
With just 4 days to go to the big day, we wanted to take a moment to wish you all the very best for the festive period! We also want to thank you for being part of Reuben’s journey in 2018, it’s been another incredible year with many milestones reached and goals achieved. Over the…
21st December
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Upcoming Events
Jan 18 Dance-a-thon Reuben’s Retreat is hosting a fabulous, fun filled, neon, 80’s themed, 2 hours & 30 minutes “Dance-a-thon” in January 2019. Tickets are £10 per person which is great value for this fantastic event. Why don’t you come and join in the fun with us! You can do any kind of dancing you…
Manchester Great Run 2018
We are very EXCITED for our 6th Year at Great Manchester Run Please come and join us in turning Manchester ReuBlue for the 6th year ‘running’ on 20th May 2018. This year, again, you have the choice of the 10k or the half marathon distance round the sights of Manchester. And your little ones can…
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