Freemasons donate £1,385 to North Devon Hospice

This year the Freemasons, as part of their annual support of Hospices throughout the country Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire W. Bro. Charles Yelland presented a certificate denoting the £1385 given by the Devonshire Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation to Kate Kilburn of the North Devon Hospice, Barnstaple.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation will give grants totalling £600,000 to hospices in England & Wales including £7,635 to seven hospices here in Devon as part of the £13.4 million given since 1984. This includes £300,000 which will be distributed to each hospice that receives less than 65% funding from the NHS. A further £300,000 will be provided to the national charity, Hospice UK in a partnership aimed at developing and extending bereavement support services in hospices. 

The Freemasons have been long term supporters of the North Devon Hospice and along with individual donations made by many of the 131 Lodges that meet throughout the county and the Masonic Charitable Foundation, together they have donated over £70,000 since 1984 when their records begun. On receiving the donation Kate Kilburn said “We are delighted to be receiving this kind donation from the Freemasons and are very grateful for their continued and generous support of North Devon Hospice over many years. This grant will mean that we can continue to be there for patients and their loved ones, providing round the clock care and support in patient’s homes or at the hospice. We are utterly reliant on the generosity of our community and thank the Freemasons very much for their wonderful support.”

Since 1984 when the first hospice nurse was appointed, North Devon Hospice has provided expert palliative and family centred care for patients within the community, this includes day care, care in the patients home as well as in the hospice and also includes bereavement and carers support groups.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Charles Yelland when he presented the certificate said “The good work done by the carers and staff at the North Devon Hospice is so special, not only to those in the final stages of their lives, but equally to every member of their families .The Masonic family is pleased to be able to contribute in a way which will help this wonderful team continue their invaluable work”