Our People

Meet the people — and pup — behind Reuben's Retreat.

Our People

Our Senior Leadership Team

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Nicola
CEO, Founder & Reuben's Mummy
Nicola
CEO, Founder & Reuben's Mummy

I do believe that we all have the ability to leave this world a better place than how we found it. Being a bereaved Mum has taught me so much, delivering his angel work has taught me even more. Reuben walks with me every day.

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Gill
Head of Family Support & Wellbeing
Gill
Head of Family Support & Wellbeing

I joined Reuben's Retreat in April 2024 as Family Wellbeing Champion and soon became Head of Family Support & Wellbeing. In this role, I lead a dedicated team supporting bereaved families and those with medically complex children, offering compassionate spaces for grief, healing, and memory-making. With over 20 years in the charity sector as a child therapist, team leader, and clinical supervisor, I've learned the power of listening and presence. The warmth and kindness from our team and beneficiaries make me grateful to be part of the Reuben's Retreat family.

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Ben
Head of Operations
Ben
Head of Operations

My role as Head of Operations sees me underpin all operational aspects of the charity ensuring that the fundraising & service delivery teams can undertake their roles, safely, risk-free and with ease. Having a strong operational background and a wealth of experience within this field makes me determined to make a difference to the smooth running of this wonderful cause.

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Deborah
Head of Fundraising
Deborah
Head of Fundraising

Deborah brings 27 years of fundraising experience within children's charities and leads our fundraising team, growing the support that makes our family work possible.

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Sarah
General Manager
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Cathy
Executive Assistant
Cathy
Executive Assistant

Hello, I'm privileged to work for Reuben's Retreat as the Executive Assistant, where I provide essential support to our charity's leadership; helping things to run smoothly so that our focus remains where it matters the most. Working with Reuben's Retreat touches my heart every day; the power of kindness and working with a beautiful team!

The Team

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Dolly
Therapy Dog in Training
Dolly
Therapy Dog in Training

Under the expert guidance of Nicola Davies (Contented Canines), Dolly has passed her perfect puppy course, puppy good companion award, puppy socialisation course and attended 12 x 1-1 training sessions. A great addition to the team, Dolly provides a lot of comfort and cheer to many of our beneficiary families here at Reuben's.

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Rachael
Office Manager & Volunteer Champion
Rachael
Office Manager & Volunteer Champion

My role underpins all other roles in the organisation and helps to maintain the smooth and effective running of this amazing charity! I'm often the friendly welcoming voice that our supporters and beneficiaries first hear when they ring us.

Shannon
Fundraising Champion
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Tracey
Children & Young People's Champion
Tracey
Children & Young People's Champion

With over 20 years in education, I feel honoured and humbled to be part of the amazing Family Support Team here at Reuben's Retreat, supporting children and young people on their journey.

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Gemma
Children & Young People's Champion
Gemma
Children & Young People's Champion

With 19 years of experience working with children in early years and school settings, I've found that Reuben's Retreat is a truly special place — welcoming, serene, and filled with care.

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Kate
Grant Writer / Funding Champion
Kate
Grant Writer / Funding Champion

I am thrilled to be part of the Reuben's Retreat team. As a fundraiser, every day is interesting, diverse and an absolute joy. I also write grant applications in a bid to secure funding so that we can continue our beautiful work and complete our forever home.

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Lisa
Fundraising Champion
Lisa
Fundraising Champion

My role as Fundraising Champion allows me to witness the kindness of people every day. Beautiful souls, kindly giving, in multiple ways to raise awareness of our cause, to reach those that need us and to generate vital funds to support our families on their journey and to complete our forever home.

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Becca
Family Wellbeing Champion
Becca
Family Wellbeing Champion

As the Family Wellbeing Champion, I support bereaved families by helping them access support and guiding them through their grieving journey. With a background in psychology, I bring empathy, understanding, and tailored care to every family I work with.

Chloe
Fundraising Champion
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Lou
Social Media & Graphics Champion
Lou
Social Media & Graphics Champion

In my role as Social Media & Graphics Champion, I collaborate with both the fundraising and family teams to create flyers, event posters, and other graphics that raise awareness and promote the impact on our beneficiaries. My focus is on driving engagement and growth across our social media channels and online communities to amplify our mission and strengthen our online presence.

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Heather
Family Wellbeing & Administration Champion
Heather
Family Wellbeing & Administration Champion

I began my journey as a member of the Reuben's Retreat family, in a volunteer capacity, in 2019. My role as Family Team Administrator Champion allows me to support the work that the team do for our beautiful beneficiary families and to be a small part of enabling the magic to happen, a magic that is truly unique to Reuben's Retreat.

The Board of Trustees

Meet the people who help to shape the future of our charity. Our Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. They each play a key role and have a strong personal commitment to our vision & mission.

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Adam Moss
Chair of Trustees
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David Robinson
Vice Chair of Trustees
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Sara Hurst
Legal & Business
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Tracy Brooks
Family Care
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Elizabeth Hale
Fundraising
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Richard Bradley
Fundraising

Our Patrons

Meet the people who help us to spread our message far and wide, raising vital funds and helping us to provide more family support services.

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Julie Hesmondhalgh & Ian Kershaw
Patrons
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Stacey Copeland
Ambassador

Our Champions

We simply couldn't do our work without people like you! We are forever grateful to all who support us. Here are just a few wonderful supporters — thank you for all you do!

Assetz Capital Azets Bertelli Communications Briggs & Forrester Group Bromleys Solicitors LLP Building Projects Capstone Celebrity Cruises COOP Cundall Cruise Club UK DigitalSea Findel Education Resources Fletchers Group Given Gain Glossop North End AFC HCB Solicitor HTF Howmet Aerospace HOSEASONS Jack Badger KPJ Group Masonic Charitable Foundation MSC Cruises Murtros Printers Ltd Northern Spark Panache Cruises Staples Stop The Clock Design Sunflower Childcare Group TIPTO Travel Counsellors Travel Weekly DAY Destinology DIGI Accountancy Living City Asset Management MCNABARBERS Vertical Systems Worry Wizard

Could your business help to support us? Get in Touch

Be part of the team!

We're passionate about supporting bereaved families and those with children living with medical complexities. The work we do has a direct impact on people's lives — if you're ready to make a real difference, this could be the place for you.

Jobs & Volunteering

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