It is a long-standing custom of Brigantes Lodge 9734 for the proceeds of the December meeting’s raffle to be donated to a charity chosen by the Worshipful Master’s wife.
The current Master’s wife, Hilary Hutchings, gave this matter considerable thought – there are so many worthy causes in the region.
However, knowing that the granddaughter of a close friend, Leah Whitehead, 11 years old, had been diagnosed with leukaemia 12 months ago and was undergoing extensive chemotherapy at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Oncology Department in Liverpool, she was keen to explore ways to help.
The specialist children’s hospital caters for unwell children from all over the North West, including Cumbria.
Hilary said: “Upon speaking with Leah I learned that there is a charity operating within the Alder Hey’s Oncology Department that supports children suffering from cancer and their families. I found that CHICS has been run for over 30 years entirely by volunteers who are parents of cancer survivors or have lost children to cancer.
“Leah had been so impressed by the care offered by CHICS that she had started organising fundraising events for them herself, despite her hair loss and sickness caused by her ongoing chemotherapy treatments. I decided there and then that amongst the many deserving causes, this was the one.”
CHICS provides support and outings for the children and their families. It is a registered charity and nobody involved receives a salary. Prior to the December raffle, the Worshipful Master Ralph Hutchings outlined the nature of his wife’s chosen charity to the brethren and their ladies assembled at the festive board.
As usual Brigantes members, visitors and wives pulled out all the stops and a magnificent sum of just under £1000 was raised, which was made up to £1000 by the Lodge.
On January 19th the Worshipful Master of Brigantes and his wife attended Alder Hey Hospital and invited Leah to hand over the cheque to a representative of CHICS.
Eddie Hinks, CHIC’s Co-ordinator, said: “Every penny of this cheque will go directly to supporting children with cancer and their families. This donation will make a huge difference to children and families who are going through the biggest challenge that many of them will ever face and I’d like to thank Brigantes Lodge and each and every person who contributed on their behalf and on behalf of CHICS.”
Pictured left to right Eddie Hinks CHICS Co-ordinator and Family Support Worker, Leah Whitehead, Hilary Hutchings and Ralph Hutchings.
Submitted on 20th January 2017
by W.Bro. R. Hitchings