Early gift for hospice

CHRISTMAS came early for St Rocco’s and other hospices throughout the country thanks to Freemasons.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd handed over a cheque to the hospice for £1,952 on behalf of Freemasons’ Grand Charity.
The latest donation means that in the eight years the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges has donated nearly £45,000 to the hospice. This year the Grand Charity has donated an enormous £600,000 to more than 220 hospices in England and Wales.
Dennis said: “The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each and every year to ensure these respected services can continue providing free physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to patients and their families.”
For many years, Freemasons have been enthusiastic in their support for hospices. This year’s funding from the Grand Charity means that it has donated more than £7.5million to hospices complementing the generosity of individual Masonic Lodges and Provinces.
Warrington Freemasons were the first group to give £10,000 to endow a room at St Rocco’s when the new hospice was built.
The latest donation will be put into the fund to pay for the new £3.3 million expansion at the hospice. The existing day unit is now too small and so an appeal has been launched to raise the money to expand the day care unit and to provide additional resource and education facilities.
The new day unit will make a real difference to patients and work has started to build it next to the existing facility. There will be five therapy suites, an art and craft room, therapeutic garden, sun room and outpatient consulting room. The hospice will be able to treat more patients and families while also offering a wider range of services.
Already St Rocco’s has raised £3 million towards the cost of the expansion, which includes a government grant of £619,000. It is hoped the new extension will be complete by Spring 2009.
Mr Rudd said: “In Warrington we are extremely fortunate to have St Rocco’s Hospice which has a wonderful reputation and we are delighted to give it financial support. The hospice plays a vital role for the people of the Warrington area and it is impossible to put a price on the dedication of the staff and the work carried out at St Rocco’s Hospice. The new extension will improve facilities even more and we are pleased that our latest donation will be used towards its cost.”
Beth Eccles, Matron of St Rocco’s Hospice said: “The continued support from Freemasons is wonderful and we thank each and every one of them. Without such financial support St Rocco’s would not be able to do the work it does.”
Picture shows Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd presenting the cheque to Beth Eccles watched by St Rocco’s Appeals Manager Clair Manock and Warrington Masonic Group Vice-chairman Barry Jameson.