Valued support  for palliative care

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity continued to support hospices with a total donation of £600,000 in 2015. Across England and Wales, 245 adult and children’s hospices have received funding to provide essential services to those affected by terminal or life-limiting illness. 

Among those to receive assistance are Dorothy House Hospice in Wiltshire, Hope House Children’s Hospice in Shropshire, and the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice.

Chief Executive of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity Laura Chapman said: ‘Every year, Freemasons and their families work together to raise funds to ensure the incredible work of hospices can continue. The dedicated care they provide is highly valued by local communities and Freemasons believe strongly in supporting this.’

Fundraising coordinator Tania Wood at Dove Wood Hospice, another Grand Charity funding beneficiary, said: ‘Your continued support really does help us to make a positive difference to the lives of local people in palliative care. With your help we’re able to plan ahead effectively, ensuring that our patients receive both expert medical care and emotional support.’

Wiltshire Lodge of Agriculture No. 9090 has again organised the local Voices for Hospices event in support of the Dorothy House Hospice near Bath. The Concert raised £2,500 to which Provincial Grand Master Francis Wakem added a further £2,000 from the Provincial Charity Fund. 

The concert was hosted by ITV West Country presenter Peter Rowell and featured the City of Bath Male Choir. The concert included specialist items by local young soprano Rhiannon Lambert and violinist Lizz Lipscombe 

Voices for Hospices is a series of simultaneous concerts around the globe which takes place on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day every two years.