Former Tarvin Icon Irene Remembered.

A group of Chester Freemasons' generosity and teamwork generated a welcome cash bonus for the local Hospice of the Good Shepherd this week.

Members of Belgrave Lodge, one of Chester's longest-established masonic lodges, readily agreed to donate 500 to the hospice from its charity funds in memory of the wife of longstanding lodge member, Alan Wilkinson. Irene Wilkinson passed away in December last year after a brave fight with Leukaemia.

Lodge members added their own individual contributions before Alan boosted the total with a generous personal donation.

A further 216 enhancement from the Cheshire Freemasons Charity (CFC) resulted in a cheque for 1,075 being presented to the hospice's interim Chief Executive, Caroline Siddall.

We're so grateful to the members of Belgrave Lodge and the Cheshire Freemasons Charity for their support," said Caroline.

"It is one of those special donations that has been inspired by personal loss and made possible through lodge members' commitment, generosity and a real appreciation of the work we do to support patients in the final chapter of their life, and their loved ones. What a fitting tribute."

Alan Wilkinson added: "Irene and I have always been keen hospice supporters and I feel sure she would have approved of the way in which our fraternity of freemasons has come together for such an important cause."

Pictured left to right are Belgrave Lodge Worshipful Master and Provincial Charity Officer Dave Perkins; interim hospice Chief Executive Caroline Siddall; lodge secretary Hems de Winter; Hospice Lottery and Donor Care Manager Eleanor Rowlands, and Alan Wilkinson.