The team – and participants from Reuben’s Retreat and friends – raised just over £4,500 through donations for the hike, which took place last Saturday (27 April).
A further £10,000 was raised by the charity raffle the 30 Under 30 hosted at the recent Top 50 Travel Agencies by TTG ceremony in Manchester two days before the hike.
Participants trekked the Edale Skyline route and the surrounding Hope Valley in aid of Reuben’s Retreat, which supports families who have either lost a child, or have a child with medical complexities.
“As a group, we decided very quickly that Reuben’s Retreat would be our chosen charity as the work they do is so important,” said Molly Cofman-Nicoresti, industry partnerships manager at Intrepid Travel and a TTG 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 member.
“Sitting here now having raised a staggering £14,500 for such a wonderful cause, I feel immensely proud,” she said.
Since completing the hike, the team admitted that despite having their reservations about taking on such a demanding challenge, the feeling of pride once the group finished was worth all the aches and pains.
“A few of us realised our knees aren’t as robust as they used to be, but it was lovely to see the whole group supporting each other. We ended up having the best day with lots of laughs,” Cofman-Nicoresti recalled.
’A credit to the industry’
Jack Atherton, sales manager, UK at Virgin Voyages and another 30 Under 30 member, added: “We came well-prepared, no one turned up with silly trainers on. It was a lot hillier and rockier than expected but everyone stuck together and really helped."
“It was great to focus on a project the whole group could get involved with and we really want to carry on supporting Reuben’s Retreat and their journey in the future,” said Atherton.
Reuben’s Retreat was established in 2012 by Nicola Graham, two days after her son, Reuben, passed away from an aggressive brain tumour while in Devon on a family holiday. In honour of Reuben Graham, Nicola founded the charity as a promise to keep his legacy alive. “What a credit this team are to each other, TTG and our amazing industry,” said Graham.
“Each penny and pound will contribute towards our daily work with the families of children with medical complexities, gifting them the opportunity to make memories, and allowing us to walk alongside them.”
Based in Glossop, Derbyshire, the Reuben’s countryside retreat acts as a sanctuary for families to receive emotional and practical support through a series of counselling sessions, peer support groups, wellbeing and holistic activities.
Donations are still being warmly accepted so to show your support for Reuben’s Retreat and the hiking team, visit https://www.givengain.com/campaign/ttg-30-under-30-hike-for-reubens.
