Freemason pedal power for hospice
A NUMBER of Freemasons who cycled 300 miles during the summer, made their last short trip from Leicester to Loughborough to present a cheque for £11,704 to Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
In June, 23 Freemasons cycled around the Masonic centres in Leicestershire and Rutland and down to the Freemasons’ Hall in London and back, completing a total of 300 miles as part of the organisations 300th anniversary celebrations.
A total of £23,408 was raised from Freemasons, family and friends which was split equally between Rainbows and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
A number of the cyclists took the short ride to Rainbows Hospice at Lark Rise in Loughborough to present the cheque to David Strudley, Rainbows CEO.
The provincial grand master of Leicestershire and Rutland, David Hagger, was also on hand to formally present the cheque.
After light refreshments, the cyclists were delighted to have a guided tour of the hospice and hear first-hand about the amazing care and support provided by Rainbows for life-limited children and their families.
Simon Oldfield who organised the ride said: “Riding 300 miles in four days was a first for many of us. After seeing the excellent work that Rainbows do, it makes me very proud to be a Freemason and to have been part of the team to help raise funds for such an amazing charity.”
He continued: “We all felt very humbled, and everyone who took part in the ride, the cyclists, and support team felt immensely proud of our fund raising achievement and the opportunity to support such a deserving local charity. It made all the hard work of training through the depths of winter so very worthwhile.”
David Strudley, Rainbows CEO, said: “We are especially grateful to Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons in making Rainbows hospice part of their 300th anniversary fundraising event. The magnificent total raised from their cycling marathon will go a long way to supporting youngsters with life-limiting conditions and their families when they need it most.”
David Hagger, provincial grand master said: “I most sincerely thank the cyclists and assisting crew on behalf of all the Freemasons and their families in Leicestershire and Rutland for the generous contribution they have made. It is truly a magnificent achievement.”