Issue 1: Autumn/Winter 2016
Health and wellbeing, Support for Freemasons and families
Did you know…?
“My dad, Tommy, was diagnosed with a heart condition but faced a wait of at least six months for surgery. His health was deteriorating before my eyes: he was out of breath all the time and extremely tired – he was plodding along, but struggling.
“Dad was stubborn, embarrassed even. He felt others were worse off than him and didn’t want to ask, but then he fell ill during a lodge meeting and his brethren stepped in. Mum and I burst into tears when we got the letter to say that the grant to fund Dad’s operation had been approved. It was a weight lifted.
“After the operation, the surgeon said that Dad wouldn’t be here if we’d waited six more months. Until then, they hadn’t realised how bad his heart condition truly was.
“Dad’s doing brilliantly now. He’s just going back to work and is looking forward to his first masonic meeting.
I want to say ‘thank you’. You’ve not just helped Dad – you’ve changed our family life for the better. The four of us are the only family we have and we are now able to do more together.
“I joined Freemasonry for enjoyment and when I got ill I didn’t want to put a burden on the charity. But we have all vowed to help those who are struggling and I truly was struggling. I was born an only child but through Freemasonry I gained brothers. I have never seen so many come together for one person – it’s overwhelming.” – Tommy
“If you are a Freemason, or have a strong family connection to a Freemason, and you are facing a long wait for NHS medical treatment, the Masonic Charitable Foundation may be able to help you.
“If in doubt, call the MCF today on 0800 035 60 90. My dad did, and it saved his life.”
