Charity Reuben’s Retreat has appointed Hadfield-based Building Projects Group Ltd to undertake the next stage in the development of the charity’s forever home.

Reuben’s Retreat aims to help families who have children with a life threatening or life limiting illness, or those who have lost a child, offering support in a number of ways. Building Projects Group has now begun work on phases four, five and six at the Retreat. The three phases, which are part of a 10 phase, multi-million pound project, will include a hydro suite, a sensory play and movie room, offices and fully accessible changing facilities.

The building work should take around 30 weeks, so is expected to complete in Autumn 2019. The work will involve comprehensive structural works, extensions. full electrical & mechanical upgrades and a high specification construction and fit out. It will also see the creation of a feature glazed link, a new entrance, a fully accessible Hydro Pool including accessible changing facilities and plantroom.

The charity bought the old Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014, taking on the massive challenge of renovating it from near dereliction to become Reuben’s Retreat, a place where families can relax, recharge, remember and rebuild. Reuben’s Retreat was set up in memory of 23-month old Reuben, who fell ill while on a family holiday in Devon in August 2012. A trip to A&E revealed a rare and aggressive brain tumour. He sadly never regained consciousness and passed away a week later in his mother’s arms, who pledged his short life wouldn’t be in vain.

Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mummy and founder of Reuben’s Retreat, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Building Projects Group – they quickly stood out as a partner who understood what we are about and who would help us achieve our aims. They’re going out and championing our cause for us and asking their key suppliers for their most competitive pricing in order to maximise our money. We need to make sure that every penny that our fundraisers and volunteers raise is put to good use, so it allows us to help even more families. We can’t wait to be able to offer our families the use of the hydro suite and play rooms – it’s a vital and exciting stage of our development.”

Adam Bell, managing director at Building Projects Group, said: “On behalf of us all at Building Projects Group we are delighted to have been chosen for this fantastic project. We very much look forward to delivering this wonderful scheme with Nicola and the Reuben’s Retreat Team.  I’d also like to extend our thanks to our supply chain partners for their continued support of this wonderful charity.”

To find out more information log on to www.reubensretreat.org or follow Reuben’s Retreat on Facebook or Twitter.