Buckinghamshire
Daily living costs, Festivals and fundraising
Ewan’s story
Ewan has been a Freemason for 22 years, alongside his dad and brothers. He also spent over 20 years in the emergency services, a role that eventually took a serious toll on his mental health.
In 2017, Ewan was diagnosed with complex PTSD—mainly due to operational issues at his work. Two years ago, his struggle became greater, and he has been off work ever since.
My complex PTSD causes massive issues—flashbacks, emotional rollercoasters most days. A year ago, I went into a deep depression, so I reached out to my doctor, and they put me into urgent medical assessment. I went back into therapy—and luckily, I ended up in a group that’s helped a lot.
On top of the support he receives from the NHS for his mental health, Ewan receives MCF grants to help him with his daily living costs (DLC): “They’ve been brilliant. I get a DLC grant every quarter—it helps me and the family while I’m off work. The MCF also provided a laptop for my stepson who is neurodiverse.”
But it was the Rough Ashlar Challenge that gave Ewan a new sense of purpose. A piece of limestone—symbolic of the rough ashlar in Freemasonry, the unfinished stone, the person still being shaped. He took on the Rough Ashlar Challenge throughout May—carrying a heavy stone and chain everywhere he went to symbolise the daily weight of his mental health struggles.
I carried the stone everywhere I went, unless I was sleeping. I invented the Ashlar Challenge to raise awareness about mental health issues—and I’ve raised over £4,000 in donations so far. I’m splitting the funds 50/50 between the MCF and Bucks Mind – two charities that have supported me through difficult times.
Ewan carrying the rough ashlar
Through the challenge, Ewan connected with Bucks Mind, and it’s opened new doors: “I’ve started talking with them about how we can support mental health through Freemasonry. I also help coordinate volunteering in our Province—marathons, events, whatever’s needed. Some charities are flooded with donations but short on people. I’ve promised we’d get a team together to support their befriending service—supporting people going through or finishing therapy.”
It’s all part of what Ewan sees as the deeper meaning of Freemasonry. “Making people better people. That’s what it’s about. And I’m not a sufferer—I’m a survivor. It’s a different mindset. Survivors have to give something back to help the next person.”
Now, he’s sharing the Ashlar Challenge with other Provinces, hoping to inspire more action and awareness.
More and more people are struggling with their mental health these days. We have to continue to support our friends and our community and remember that people are going through things you can’t always see.
