Saving our HISTORY

Three women have fought to rescue historic properties, landmarks and public buildings so their stories may be enjoyed by future generations

- KATE CHAPMAN

‘It’s an honour to restore it to its former glory’

Nicola Graham, 50, is the founder and CEO of charity Reuben’s Retreat, in Glossop, Derbyshire.

We were on holiday in August 2012 when the bottom dropped out of our world. Unbeknown to anyone, our 23-month-old son, Reuben, had a brain tumour, and died within days of diagnosis. We had hoped to donate his organs, but it wasn’t to be. We were determined his life would mean something, so I decided to create a haven called Reuben’s Retreat for families of poorly children and those who had suffered child loss, where they could come together for fun times and to make memories.

I founded our charity with an initial target of raising £1 million in 23 months. During that time, Woods Hospital was presented to us. I thought we would have no chance of buying it, but we decided to go for it.

It was derelict. We drew up a 10-phase plan to transform it, and have converted the caretaker’s house and porter’s lodge into a bereavement and support centre, landscaped the grounds and made the main building watertight. We’ve continued to fundraise to create a hydro pool, and a sensory, movie, play and chill zone – all spaces where families can make memories. We continue to fundraise for the future phases, comprising three accessible family apartments, so that families can holiday with us.

We are already working with lots of families. The more we fundraise, the more we renovate, and the more we renovate, the more we can offer them.