Thames Hospice receives £8,000 donation from Three Masonic Brethren

Thames Hospice has received donations totalling £8,000 from Three Masonic Brethren: V.W. Bro. Michael Sanders, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Chairman of the Berkshire Mark Benevolent Association (BeMBA), Raymond Head, Vice Chairman of BeMBA and W.Bro. Brian McCormack, treasurer of BeMBA.

A £5,000 donation was made from the Mark Benevolent Fund, who gave each individual lodge £1,000, in commemoration of the life of his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Each lodge was advised to give the money to a hospice and five of the lodges chose to donate to Thames Hospice. £3,000 is the first of three similar donations by Berkshire Mark Benevolent Association who have chosen to support Thames Hospice over the next three years to enable the charity to benefit from their fundraising.

V.W.Bro. Michael Sanders said: "The work and support given by the staff of Thames Hospice is invaluable and the members of Berkshire Mark Masonry are delighted to be able to support a superb facility.”

Lisa Church, Director of Clinical Services at Thames Hospice, said: “I cannot thank the Three Masonic Brethren enough for their generous donations and ongoing support. These donations will make a real difference to the care and support we provide to patients and their families.”

Brian McCormack, treasurer of BeMBA, said: “It was superb to come along to the Hospice and meet some of the team who do invaluable work at a very difficult time in anyone's journey.

“What struck me most was the outside space you have. I walked through the door to the garden the sensation of absolute tranquillity was physical. I quite honestly felt a palpable sense of peace and quiet and I'm certain Hospice patients get a great deal of comfort from such a beautiful space.”

Much loved actress Sue Holderness, who has been a supporter and Ambassador of the Hospice for many years also attended the presentation. Sue added: “I was very honoured to be invited to join the Three Masonic Brethren and Thames Hospice for the cheque presentation. Brian and I are dear friends and I’m thrilled that he and his

colleagues so generously support the work of Thames Hospice for which I am an Ambassador.

“Their incredible donation will help many families in our community facing a terminal illness who urgently need the compassionate care and support of our local Hospice.”