14/11/2022
Nic, you are an increadable and amazing lady, you brought tears to my eyes again. You have done so much in Reubens name and helped so many families at the retreat, very inspiring.
In November 2012, just 11 weeks after losing Reuben, I returned to work. It was too soon.
One of the reasons that I returned, was because there was a very special conference happening. Travel Counsellors annual conference (TC). I knew them, they knew me. Travel was my family and TC were my family too. I had been attending their conferences for years as part of my work. It was with them in 2004 that I met Mike. The following conferences we were engaged, then married, and I missed 2 on maternity leave.
I attended in 2012 with my friend and then boss, Jason. He was brilliant with me. I knew I would be as ok as could be expected attending their “jamboree” a name used earlier today, as their community of hearts are kind, compassionate and had already started to invest, share and support our cause. I knew I felt safe with them, I knew they’d look after me and I would be surrounded by good and gentleness. They held love for me and Mike, they were our friends and they desperately wanted to do something to make us feel better.
If Reuben’s Retreat were to be a success, my vision become a reality, it would be at this event that we would sow those seeds of love, cultivate it, and share our story of hope…………….
Today, 10 years later, I stood proud on their stage, sharing our adventure and how far we had come. Despite being incredibly emotional, it felt good, it felt great. This incredible army of compassionate hearts, the TC community and those that support their business have been stalwart in their mission to make a positive difference to our cause. If I were to list the many ways in which they have supported, I would be here for hours, possibly days.
Our story was gently woven into their entire conference, from the very start on Friday afternoon, right the way through to their closing address from Steve Byrne their mighty CEO and our friend.
Opportunity was in abundance. Catching up with our Vernon, learning from the amazing Rebecca Adlington OBE and sharing a few minutes with the charity champion and mighty heart of giving, Sir Lenny Henry CBE. The TC’s were incredibly supportive at every twist and turn and we have some awesome chats about support and more as well as catching up with our amazing tour operator friends too.
Our charity would not be where it is today without our travel army of love. I would not be the person I am today without the love of my travel family and the many friendships old and new.
Thank you, Travel Counsellors, partners, guests, suppliers, HQ and AV, for walking with me, so that I can walk with families.
I speak for Stacey and Dan too when I share that you went above and beyond this weekend and we are absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed by your kindness.
I love you all dearly and you made my year Steve when you shared in your closing statement, that you are all in it for the long term.
You are all amazing and I am one very lucky Mummy. I get to walk with my angel Son every day and deliver his legacy whilst my heart burst with gratitude, knowing that I am held by such bountiful hearts.
Safe travels everyone, thank you for looking after us and see you very soon for more hugs, plans, sharing, giving and creating.
Nic ###
I am a travel consultant, providing a personal and professional service for all corporate & leisure travel needs. A unique and stress free way to travel!
