Lodge of Charity 8769 and Leukaemia Research.

The lodge of Charity has always lived up to its name, but this year was exceptional. The Worshipful Master for 2007 – 2008 was Michael Smith. Unfortunately he has been diagnosed with Leukaemia. Leukaemia Research was therefore an obvious choice for the Lodge to support

It was decided that the Lodge should have a concerted effort to raise funds for Leukaemia Research and the Brothers set about this task. They were helped by Mick’s wife Sue, who for reasons best known to herself decided to jump out of a perfectly sound aeroplane at 20,000 feet, and fall to earth at an alarming rate before trusting in a large silken parachute. Yes she had successfully completed a sponsored parachute jump for this worthwhile cause. The Brothers continued to raise funds. The Lodge was also assisted by Mrs Sue Orridge wife of Bro Stuart Orridge who completed a sponsored run and 30 mile cycle ride. The funds built up. The Lodge had already given £400 to the Fire Service Appeal following the tragic death of four Firemen in Stratford upon Avon earlier in the year, but between the whole Lodge and with the special help of the two ladies a grand total of £6888 was presented to Professor John Fletcher and Peter Marwood, both from Leukaemia Research at the Nottingham City Hospital on Saturday 13th September 2008. An especially big thank you to all the members of the Lodge of Charity.

Our thanks also go to the Provincial Grand Master Robin Wilson, and the Assistant Grand Master Stephen Mather who supported the Lodge in this venture and attended the presentation ceremony

Back Row - left to right. W.Bro. Michael Smith (Immediate Past Master and the Bro who was diagnosed with Leukaemia just as he took up office as WM at the Lodge of Charity) W. Bro Philippe Stevenson - Now current WM and this was his first job after being installed. Professor John Fletcher - Head of Leukaemia Research - Nottingham City Hospital W.Bro Stephen Mather - Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Front Row. Peter Marwood. Head of financing - Leukaemia Research Nottingham City Hospital Sue Smith. Wife of W.Bro Mick Smith and who was the one who did the sponsored free fall parachute jump.

Photograph - Courtesy of Bro Daljit Phullar.