On 16 February at the British Red Cross offices in Northampton member of Kingsley Lodge No 2431, WBro Tony Pickering, handed over a cheque for £1,600 to buy new wheelchairs.
The donation was for the charity's Big Wheel Appeal after his ten year old daughter, Chloe, borrowed a wheelchair from the Red Cross's dial-a wheelchair service after contracting Henoch Schonlein Purpura leaving her unable to walk.
In spring 2010, Chloe suffered a severe allergic reaction (HSP) which caused swelling and arthritis to attack her joints, making walking and moving around very painful and awkward. Chloe's parents, Tony and Katrina, contacted the Red Cross's dial-a-wheelchair service in Northamptonshire, who was able to loan the family a wheelchair until Chloe had recovered.
Tony said: "The Red Cross were just fantastic! When Chloe found walking particularly painful, the wheelchair meant she didn't miss out on family activities, seeing her friends, attending school or going on the annual Brownie trip."
18 months on Chloe has made a full recovery and has even won county medals for her gymnastic skills.
To say thank you, Chloe's dad Tony raised the £1600 donation from Kingsley Lodge, Brixworth Masonic Dining Club and the Masonic Provincial Grand Charity.