Staff and volunteers at the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice are celebrating receipt of a grant from the Mark Master Masons of Kent on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund.
The donation, which is part of a Major Capital Grant of £1.3m to over 250 hospices in England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, recognises the contribution made by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to the service of the Crown and the life of the nation.
Megan Boyle, head of fundraising for the Abbey Wood based hospice said Donations like this mean so much to us, and even more so given the challenges we face at the moment. While COVID-19 might have slipped down from the top of daily news headlines, our team is still working hard to meet demand and ensure those who need our support, get the very best care. The impact of the pandemic will be felt here for a long time to come yet, and has in fact changed the way we work enormously.
“To know that the Hospice remains in the thoughts of our local members, is a real morale boost. Support from our local community has never been more important and a gift in memory of HRH Prince Philip makes this feel all the more poignant.
“Your donation will be put to good use. More and more people are coming to us with late diagnosis, having not visited the GP or had early diagnosis and treatment throughout the pandemic. Donations like this mean we can keep going and families facing a terminal illness are not alone. Your continued support over the years is something we do not take for granted. Thank you doesn t seem quite enough.
W. Bro David Stiff added “We are absolutely delighted that six Mark lodges including my own Mark lodge chose to support the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. We are all aware of the toll that the pandemic has taken on charities across the country and hope that this small gift will go some way to help enhance patient care and provide improved facilities for those in need and their families.