As part of the long running West Lancashire Freemasons’ Caring in the Community initiative, local Freemason Peter Gunn, along with Joanne Gunn, have donated 300 gold medals on red, white, blue and rainbow ribbons to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital A&E Children’s Unit.
In attendance at the presentation with Peter and Joanne were Assistant Provincial Grand Master Harry Cox, North Fylde Group Chairman Duncan Smith and North Fylde Group Publicity Officer Hugh Mett.
The medals will be used by the A&E staff to reward children who have been particularly brave during their treatment and will hopefully bring a smile to their faces when they need it most. The medals were designed by Peter in consultation with both A&E staff and the Blue Skies Charity. They have been donated in memory of Joanne’s late father Monty Souness, who was a highly respected member of the Masonic community for almost 60 years, both in Scotland and on the Fylde Coast. Each medal bears a centre featuring both the Masonic and Blue Skies logos and the words; ‘I’ve been brave’.
Peter and Joanne have previously been the instigators of providing Christmas presents for children attending A&E over the festive period in 2016, something they intend to repeat this year.
It is estimated that in 2017 the A&E department will treat over 15,000 children, with the highest proportion being in the group aged between new-born and three years old.
Anyone wishing to donate to the hospital, raise funds or volunteer, please contact the Blue Skies Hospital Fund at https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/blueskies/index.php/contact or find them on Facebook.
