Breaking into the arts can be a daunting challenge, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds.

From a young age, Maggie Whitehead demonstrated an exceptional talent for golf, but the financial demand of the sport posed significant barriers for her and her family. After struggling to afford the vast sums required for Maggie’s training and competitions across the UK and Europe on his own, her father, Andy, a Freemason from Durham, reached out to the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ Charity) for support. Now, as a student and golfer at the University of Virginia, Maggie is well on her way to achieving greatness in her career.

Freemason, Andrew suffers from bilateral osteoarthritis of the knee. In an effort to relieve some pressure from him and his wife, Andrew reached out to his Lodge Almoner to look into support available for them.

Just before COVID hit, Andy was going through a rough patch due to various things happening in his life. He was in conversation with the Secretary of one of his lodges and it became apparent to him that Andy needed support.

Tom had always dreamt of performing on stage, but when the reality of school fees and daily living costs became a barrier on the road to his success, he contacted the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemason’s Charity) for support.

Sixteen-year-old Charlie first skied at just two years old in Switzerland with his family. He was approached by GB X at the age of eight, while practicing at a snow centre in the UK. Soon after, he was accepted into the first-ever youth ski cross programme.

We were able to support professional esports athlete, Benjyfishy through his education, which has contributed to his success and recognition.

Following a bout of H3N2 virus, Gordon had his life turned upside down and had to rely on support from his wife, who is now his full-time carer. Whilst receiving support from the MCF, Gordon looked for ways to give back and wanted to help others that could be in a similar situation to himself.

As a single parent, Tony faced financial difficulties when it came to supporting his daughter’s passion for ice skating. With the MCF’s help, Bella-Rae’s dreams of becoming a professional skater were made possible.

Unable to find work following the collapse of the company he worked for, Mark had to take low-paid, short-term work which left him struggling financially.