Warwickshire Freemasons have demonstrated the power of teamwork through two donations to The Myton Hospices totalling £3,414.70, supporting its compassionate care for patients and their families.

A lasting tribute to Mrs Janet Lawrence

W.Bro. Ian Lawrence of Lodge of Alliance No. 5811 wished to create a lasting tribute to his beloved wife, Janet, by supporting Myton Hospice in Warwick, where she spent the final days of her life.

The hospice identified a need for a specialist therapy chair, which will enable patients, wherever possible, to spend time out of bed. As well as providing comfort and physical support, the chair will allow patients to enjoy views of the hospice garden.

Janet was a tremendous support to both Ian and the Lodge of Alliance. She created beautiful flower arrangements for every Lodge meeting’s Festive Board and decorated Lodge social events and Ladies’ Nights. She also handmade Ladies’ Night programmes and buttonholes for Lodge officers.

Always smiling and happy to chat, Janet was also known for the occasional cheeky comment. She will be greatly missed, but her kindness and thoughtfulness will live on through the many patients who benefit from the new therapy chair.

With the support of members of the Lodge of Alliance, Knowle Masonic Centre Community Fund and the Warwickshire Freemasons Charitable Foundation, a total of £1,914.70 was raised.

Ian and his family extend their sincere thanks to everyone whose generosity made the donation possible.

Pictured are W.Bro. Ian Lawrence with his daughters, Emily and Amy.

Greville Lodge supports Myton’s vital services

In August, Warwickshire Freemasons Andy Staker and David Harwood visited Myton Hospice in Warwick to meet members of its fundraising team and mark a further donation of £1,500.

The donation was made jointly by members of Greville Lodge No. 4773 and the Warwickshire Freemasons Charitable Foundation.

Following a photoshoot in the hospice’s recently refurbished gardens, the visitors received a guided tour of its public areas. This provided an opportunity to see how the donation will help Myton care for people approaching the end of their lives, while enabling families to remain close to their loved ones during an exceptionally difficult time.

Pictured are Andy Staker, Provincial Grand Charity Steward; Louise Careless; Jason Levy, Director of Fundraising at The Myton Hospices; and David Harwood, Greville Lodge Charity Steward.

A message in the thank-you card presented by Louise perfectly captured Myton’s purpose:

“At the heart of what we do at The Myton Hospices is helping people to make memories and spend quality time with their loved ones.”

Delivering this care requires an extraordinary collective effort. More than 350 members of staff, supported by over 1,400 dedicated volunteers, work tirelessly to create a welcoming “home from home” for everyone visiting Myton’s care centres in Warwick and Coventry.

Myton also operates a Support Hub at the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, providing advice, care and practical assistance to people caring for a family member or friend.

These vital services are provided at no cost to patients or their families. Their continuation depends heavily on charitable donations from the public, alongside funds raised through Myton’s 25 charity shops. The £1,500 donation will contribute towards the millions of pounds required each year to maintain these invaluable services.

Expressing Myton’s appreciation, Louise wrote:

“To our friends at Warwickshire Freemasons,

“Thank you so much for your very kind donation of £1,500. Your support means so much to us, our patients and their families.

“Best wishes to you all.”

Together, these donations reflect Warwickshire Freemasonry’s continuing commitment to The Myton Hospices and the remarkable staff and volunteers who bring comfort, dignity and support to patients and their loved ones when they need it most.