Charity set up in memory of toddler celebrate reaching £1 million target

A charity set up in memory of a toddler from Greater Manchester is celebrating after reaching their target to raise £1 million to help fund a retreat for seriously ill children.

Reuben's Retreat was set up in memory of Reuben Graham from Mottram, who died just before his second birthday.

Since then, his parents have campaigned to raise money to provide a place of respite in the Peak District.

Reuben's mother, Nicola, told ITV News:

Reuben passed away in August 2012 whilst on holiday. His family thought he just had a bug, but just hours later, he was airlifted to hospital.

He was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died just days later.

Reuben's illness meant his parents were denied their final comfort of donating his organs to help save another life.

Determined not to let his short life be in vain, his family came up with the idea for Reuben's Retreat.

Reuben's parents want the new retreat in the Peak District to become a home-from-home for children with life-limiting and life threatening illness, as well as a respite and bereavement centre for their families.

Work will start on phase one soon. It is hoped the entire project will completed in the next few years.