After V W Bro Simon Thoday, PGSwdB, PDepProvGM, sadly Passed to the Grand Lodge Above in August 2018, his family asked that donations be made to either Cancer Research UK, or the Thames Hospice at Maidenhead.

The Middlesex Province Relief Fund made donations to both, and has continued its support of the Thames Hospice, with a further donation of £25,000, towards their appeal to raise funds to help build a new, larger state-of-the-art hospice for its community.

A virtual online event took place on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 to mark the opening of the new facilities.

This was hosted by Debbie Raven, Chief Executive, and Jonathan Jones, Chair of Trustees, both of Thames Hospice.

They unveiled the supporter tribute artwork, thanked donors for their support and spoke about their exciting plans for the future.

Donor Tribute Wall, including “bubble” to mark the MPRF donation

The donor tribute wall located within the entrance lobby is made up of wooden “bubbles” and recognises those individuals, organisations and charitable foundations who have made a major contributions towards the £9m fundraising target.

There is also a “bubble” to recognise the contribution made by the MPRF.

Middlesex Province Relief Fund Chairman, W Bro Dr Robert Bethel said:-

“We recognised that Middlesex Masons had benefited from the Hospice in the past.

The MPRF has given to organisations which are physically located outside the former County of Middlesex, if they have been used, or might benefit, Middlesex Masons and Middlesex people generally.”

Debbie Raven, Chief Executive Thames Hospice, said:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support that so many organisations and local people have shown us since we launched our appeal, and of course throughout the coronavirus pandemic.”

Thanks to our fantastic fundraisers in the community we are now one of the UK’s leading hospices, and our staff and volunteers will be able to care for thousands of people and their loved ones now and for years to come.”

After a three month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Hospice welcomed its first patients in October 2020.

All 28 bedrooms in the Inpatient Unit opened earlier in March 2021.

Thames Hospice staff say they are now able to care for twice as many patients.

https://thameshospice.org.uk/

The Middlesex Province Relief Fund (MPRF) was established following the sale of The Princess Alexandra Home at Stanmore in January 2002 to help Masons and their relatives in circumstances where either the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) are unable to assist, or where rapid assistance is required, whilst an application to the MCF is being processed.

The fund is also available to assist non-Masons living within the old county boundary of Middlesex, who due to poor health, or poverty are in need of financial assistance.

Applications can be made by any Mason on behalf of an individual using the application form downloadable HERE

Also read –

– Middlesex Masons Donate in excess of £145,000 to Community Projects

– Where There’s a Will