Freemasons adventure weekend raises £7000 for St Ann’s Hospice

Climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks was not the only challenge met by kind-hearted Freemasons during their adventure weekend

The 22-strong group also raised £7,000 for St Ann’s Hospice, easily exceeding their initial fundraising target of £2,500.

Members and friends of Manchester Level Club took 11 hours and 15 minutes to complete their 24-mile hike.

The Level Club brings together junior brethren from different lodges at Manchester Hall on Bridge Street in the city.

The Three Peaks event, including camping for two nights, was organised by chairman Darren Fletcher and Dean Lynch, members of Cornucopia Lodge.

Walkers enjoying the scenery at Ribblehead Viaduct

Dean said: “St Ann’s Hospice has a history of providing care for our members so we were delighted to raise funds for this wonderful charity.

“St Ann’s must raise £20,000 a day to provide care for its patients so we’ll do anything we can to help.

“Manchester Masons have a proud tradition of fundraising for deserving charities like the hospice.”

Dean Lynch prepares to start the Yorkshire Three Peaks hike

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said: “This is an amazing effort, and such a fabulous amount raised for the hospice.

“We can’t thank everyone involved enough.

“We’re always blown away by the support of the Freemasons and the Manchester Level Club has literally gone the extra mile – and more – in this latest challenge.

“On behalf of our patients and their families, thanks a million – we couldn’t continue to provide our specialist care without people like you.”

From left, Dean Lynch, Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice, and Manchester Level Club chairman Darren Fletcher

Manchester Level Club has continued activities online over recent months and were relieved to stage their first outdoor event since Covid-19.

Dean said: “The Manchester district of the Masons is stronger than ever with a lot of new and younger members and we’d welcome inquiries to join.”

For more information on the Manchester Masons, visit their website.

To find out more about taking on your own challenge for St Ann’s Hospice, please visit the hospice’s website.

St Ann’s Hospice cares for for people all across Greater Manchester affected by life-limiting illnesses, as well as their loved ones and carers.

They’re based in Little Hulton, Worsley.