Stourport Masons give £2,000 boost to charities
Four “deserving” charities have each received a much-needed £500 boost from kind-hearted Stourport Masons.
The Mitton Masonic Lodge has donated funds to Riding for the Disabled group High Riders, Wyre Forest Community Transport, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust and Stourport’s Elizabeth Mills Centre.
Making the presentation, Senior Mason Richard Hoare said: “We are delighted to make these donations which demonstrate our continued commitment to helping the local community.
“These are most deserving organisations, supporting children, vulnerable adults and elderly people in need.”
The High Riders is a therapeutic riding group for additional needs children aged four to 18, based at the Stourport Riding Centre and run entirely by volunteers.
Chair Juliet Ridgway said: “We provide riding for 18 children across the three school terms, at an annual cost of £750 per child, so this donation is very much appreciated.
“The opportunity to ride improves their health, posture, balance and coordination while also giving them joy and self-confidence.”
Wyre Forest Community Transport provides around 2,400 journeys a month for people who cannot drive or access public transport due to frailty, disability, poverty, or lack of transport services. It enables them to attend essential medical appointments, social activities, such as day centres and lunch clubs, visit the shops or stay in touch with family.
Glen Collins, chair of trustees, said: “We rely heavily on grants and donations and are incredibly grateful for this contribution which will help us maintain and develop our services.
“Our volunteer drivers, using their own cars or our minibuses, enable several hundred people across the district to live fulfilled and independent lives, combatting loneliness and isolation.”
The Worcestershire-based Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was established in memory of four-year-old Grace Kelly, who died from cancer in 2014, and is dedicated to supporting families, funding research and raising awareness.
Trust fundraiser Abbie Bissell-Blazier said: “We are so grateful to Mitton Lodge for their generous donation. Community support like this means the world as we don’t receive any statutory government funding.
“Their kindness will help us continue our work, supporting local families facing childhood cancer, fund research and raise awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms.”
Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Elizabeth Mills Centre, Cllr Ken Henderson, trustee, said: “We provide pre-booked meals for people aged over 50 three times a week, at just £6 for two courses, helping prevent social exclusion due to old age or ill-health.
“We rely heavily on financial support to maintain this vital service at the centre, which offers a safe, stable and friendly environment and are extremely grateful to the Masons for their kind generosity.”
