Monmouthshire
Support for Freemasons and families
Tom and Harry’s story
Harry (26) and Tom’s (22) grandad was a Freemason for over 50 years, but interestingly it wasn’t him who made them aware of MCF support – it was Harry’s own research. As a single mother, Jo was delighted when Harry made the discovery that support was available for her two sons.
Harry performing as Aladdin
“Harry left school to pursue his dream of performing in theatre. Because I couldn’t cover the fees, he fundraised around the area; he hosted a charity event and successfully raised £9,000, but he still needed more financial support to get him through university. In his research, he discovered the MCF’s support for Freemasons and families, submitted an application and our finances were soon after reviewed by an advisor.”
“The day Harry moved to theatre school, we got a call from the MCF to say the application for an annual scholarship had been accepted, which was fantastic news. We are so grateful that the MCF has been able to support him with grants through theatre school, which can be very expensive.”
Tom’s graduation at the University of South Wales
“As well as the financial support Harry received from the MCF, we discovered that Tom was eligible for annual scholarship grants, which he went on to receive for the three years he attended university. The MCF helped out with specific costs too, such as a trip to Mississippi with his university, and at one point, both Tom and Harry were given laptops for their studies.”
“I was working locally at a school so I was able to supply the things we needed at home, but it was a great help that the boys had the extra support; I couldn’t have sent Harry to the theatre school he attended if we didn’t receive support from the MCF.”
“The boys are doing very well – Harry stayed in London after graduating and has performed in Regents Park, the Colosseum, as well as on TV. He’s got a lead part in a musical in Manchester this Christmas which is fast approaching! Tom graduated during the pandemic and passed his maths degree, and now he assists the manager of the company he works for.”
The support from the MCF helped me financially because I wasn’t relied on so much – it took a huge burden away. There are many people who don’t want to accept help, and many people who don’t even know that help is out there. This support has been truly amazing for our family and I think anyone who is eligible should apply.
