Representatives from Masonic Lodges in Cornwall have presented Cornish healthcare charity Cornwall Hospice Care with generous donations totalling £4,200. The gifts were received during a visit to the charity’s Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell.
The Freemasons of Cornwall have long been supporters of the hospice movement that first began in Cornwall 42 years ago when Mount Edgcumbe Hospice opened. “
The Freemasons have supported our end of life care and bereavement services since 1980 and we continue to be extremely grateful,” explains Oli Hoare, Head of Fundraising at Cornwall Hospice Care. “Every year they generously give to our two hospices and our Community Services, helping to fund care that we provide free to those who need us but that is paid for by the community of Cornwall. This gift alone will help fund 175 hours of care from our hospice nurses.”
The Masonic party visiting Mount Edgcumbe Hospice included David Leaity, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Tim Cockings, Provincial Grand Almoner, Paul and Karen Stephens, Roy Goodger and his partner Judith from Peace and Harmony Lodge and Jeff Drake from Molesworth Lodge. Paul Stephens said;
“It was an absolute pleasure, on behalf of Peace and Harmony Lodge No.496, to be present, when along with our cheque for £2,000.00, another £2,200.00 was also presented to this very worthy charity. Our donation comprised £1,000.00 raised during the time that I was in the chair and £1,000.00 during our current Master, Ian Kerslake’s time in the chair between 2022-23. This hospice is where many of us have experienced, first-hand, the amazing work carried out by all the staff and volunteers. For that reason, it will always be a charity that will be well supported by our members and our families at the social events we hold raising funds for well-deserved local causes. Thank you for all you do for our loved ones in what can only be described as a very traumatic time.”
Jeff Drake from the Molesworth Lodge added;
“I had a very warm welcome when arriving at the hospice. The atmosphere was very calming and peaceful. Having met some of the staff, it became apparent that they were certainly very dedicated to their job. The building and surroundings were very well maintained. It was a pleasant experience to visit there.”
