Our partner charity Reuben’s Retreat was founded in memory of Reuben Michael Graham, who very sadly passed away aged just 23 months in 2012. Travel Counsellors’ dedicated charity partner in the UK, it was founded by his parents Nicola and Mike to help families facing similarly heart-breaking times by enabling children living with medical complexities and their loved ones the chance to enjoy a short break together.
From bake sales to skydives, Travel Counsellors have volunteered their time to raise awareness and funds for this amazing cause so that it can provide support and counselling for children and their families, including peer groups and wellbeing activities for parents and siblings who have lost a precious child, brother, or sister.
Reuben’s Retreat itself is a rural haven amidst rolling hills near Glossop in Derbyshire, overlooking historic Howard Park. This remarkable Victorian building was a former hospital and is currently in the process of being converted, with incredible facilities such as a play and crafts room, sensory and movie room, and beautiful hydrotherapy pool, with the next phase of the renovation focusing on the completion of three fully accessible apartments. Families who stay here can enjoy access to lovely walking trails and hikes, tranquil reservoirs, beautiful wildlife, and great restaurants.
How you can get involved
Reuben’s Retreat is holding its Everest Trek fundraising challenge again this year and has a few spaces left to grab before the cut-off date of 30th April. Departing from Manchester on 17th May 2024, it lasts for 15 days and gets you as far as Nepal’s South Everest Base Camp.
You’ll follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, trekking to an altitude of 5364m and taking in gorgeous Himalayan landscapes as you do so, and Travel Counsellors colleague Karina Fox-Andrews, who completed the challenge in 2023.
Karina says “Taking part was a bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I loved so many things about it, but mainly the camaraderie. I trekked with people I had never met before – we started out as strangers and became lifelong friends. The Himalayas are stunning, everywhere you looked was another amazing view, another huge mountain.”
The cost – £2498 per person – includes all flights, accommodation, and a professionally-led trek with our fabulous partner, Intrepid Travel, and their award-winning sherpa. In addition to the cost of the trip, you will need to fundraise a minimum of £2300.
The journey to Everest Base Camp on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas. Trekkers start in Kathmandu, or more commonly Lukla, and from there climb up to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar over about two days, following the Dudh Kosi River Valley. After a day’s rest to acclimatise, you will trek for another two days to Dingboche (4,260m).
Following another day of rest, you’ll take either the traditional trail via Tengboche Monastery or the high trail via Mong La and Phortse. After another two days, you’ll reach Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, and Mount Pumori.
“I completed this trek in 2023, and I would advise anyone who can do it to do it!” says Stacey Kirkpatrick, who works for the charity. “It is tough, but it is both life-changing and life-affirming in equal measure. I would do it again tomorrow. The scenery is breathtaking and the sense of achievement when you reach that iconic rock is indescribable. My Everest journey will forever be my favourite.”
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