Essex Mark Master Masons have given a massive £92,548 to help purchase and equip the new Fair Havens Hospice in Priory Crescent, Southend, with 17 specialist electronic beds. It is one of the largest donations ever made by the Order in Essex and will enable the Hospice to better deliver its palliative nursing and supportive care to adults and children living with complex or incurable conditions.

The money, donated via The Mark Benevolent Fund, has already been received by the Hospice allowing them to purchase the beds, costing £5,300 each for all of its in-patient bedrooms and an additional consulting room and on Tuesday (March 3^rd) Terence Sheern, Provincial Grand Master for Essex Mark Master Masons was guest of honour at Fair Havens to see first hand the difference they have made.

“This project is another example of how Masons and in this case Mark Master Masons, continue to support local charities and communities,” said Mr Sheern. “We all know of the incredible work undertaken by Fair Havens and other Hospices across the country and I am delighted that we have been able to make such a difference.”

Funding for the project was agreed as a direct result of an initiative by Bob Harvey, who is himself a Mark Master Mason and who together with his wife Margaret has been a volunteer at Havens for a combined total of 47 years.

Bob developed a financial plan and with the support of the Provincial Grand Master submitted it to Grand Lodge for consideration. The Mark Benevolent Fund Trustees were originally asked to fund the purchase of 16 new electronic beds, but in October 2019 this was increased to 15 standard and two wider beds at a total cost of £92,548 to ensure that the Hospice received exactly what they needed.

Steve Smith, Chief Executive of Havens Hospices, commented: “We’re honoured that Bob and all his Provincial Colleagues chose to support the community’s new hospice. Securing the funding we needed to purchase all 17 beds has been a phenomenal contribution and a lasting legacy for those we care for.

“For the first time our patients will be able to have the latest design in beds, not just ‘riser/recliner’ but the very best technology supporting patients to be comfortable, and reducing the risk of bed sores throughout their time with us.  It is genuinely humbling to know that local Masons stand with us in providing excellent care to those who need it most.”