The Freemasons have celebrated the 20th anniversary of being based at their Chester HQ by making a welcome donation to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

The Cheshire View Masonic Benevolent Association made their largest ever single donation to the Backford-based hospice as part of their 20 year anniversary at Cheshire View at Plough Lane in Christleton.

The generous donation of £4,700 was donated to the hospice to enable them to purchase two specialised reclining chairs that help reduce fluid retention for patients as well as comfort.

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The hospice provide end of life and palliative care to the Cheshire West and Chester and Flintshire local community and support more than 1,600 patients each year as well as more than 2,000 bereavement counselling sessions – 1,400 which were face to face.

The Freemasons are long term supporters of the hospice and have provided support since it first opened in 1989. The donations come from individual Freemasons through their organised events and fundraising activities that take place throughout the year which are then donated to local charities and worthy causes.

Steve Hoy, chief executive of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, said: “We are extremely grateful for the donation made by the Cheshire View Masonic Benevolent Association, whose continued commitment and support enable us to provide patients and their families with the care, compassion and kindness needed at such a difficult time.”

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Gordon Martin, trustee of the Cheshire View Masonic Benevolent Association, said: “The clinical care and support the hospice provides to our local community is vital. We are delighted to offer our largest donation to such a worthwhile local cause in conjunction with our 20 year anniversary at Cheshire View.”

He added: “Cheshire View is a fantastic venue that enables us to host a number of community events and continue to raise money for worthy causes.”

To find out more about the hospice you can visit the website at www.hospicegs.com.