Argyll Masons zipwire for charity
MASONS from the Argyll and Isles Provincial Grand Lodge took up the challenge of flying on a zip wire across the Clyde for Prostate Scotland.
They raised £9,000 which was added to the amount raised by other lodges making more than £100,000 with donations still coming in.
Prostate Scotland is the Grand Master Mason’s nominated charity and it raises awareness of prostate diseases.
More than 170 masons and supporters took to the air for the event on May 14 with a good crowd gathering to watch and create a festival atmosphere.
Tom Davidson, a spokesman for the steering committee consisting of representatives of five provinces around Glasgow, said: ‘When we set out planning for this event, we set a target of raising £40,000 for the charity. We have received such strong support from the brethren and friends that we have more than doubled that figure and raised more than £100,000 in just one day.
‘We may be able to increase this when all the money is collected in. We have had male and female participants supporting this event, aged from 16 to 81 years of age.
‘My thanks go out to all who have helped and contributed to our sponsored event.
‘Freemasons have, in the past, always sought to carry out their charitable work quietly and without seeking publicity, however, the other very important objective of the event was to make more men aware and understand this type of disease and that cannot be achieved without publicity.’
Douglas Philand, substitute Grand Master of Argyll and the Isle Provincial Grand Lodge, handed over a cheque to Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland.
Mr Gaines said: ‘On behalf of Prostate Scotland I would like to record our sincere thanks for all that the freemasons across Scotland are doing to support Prostate Scotland and the cause of tackling prostate cancer and disease, helping enable more men and their families to be reached with information and advice’.