On Thursday the 28th of September 2017, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell, was pleased to present a cheque for £25,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) to Cassandra Kamara from Arthritis Care.
Cassandra Kamara receiving the cheque from VWBro Trevor Boswell DepProvGM
The funding will support the development of 50 new groups across England and Wales. These are often a lifeline for people who may have become isolated because of their condition.
Over 10 million people in the UK currently live with the often excruciating and debilitating pain and fatigue of arthritis. In a recent survey, Arthritis Care, found that over 50 per cent of people with arthritis felt isolated and 79 per cent had experienced anxiety or depression.
The groups offer a vital way to help tackle both the emotional and physical symptoms of arthritis. They do this by bringing local people together to support each other, socialise and try new activities to improve their health and wellbeing.
The presentation was made at the local Arthritis Care branch in Northampton, which meets every month for social events including activities such as Tai Chi and hydrotherapy.
VWBro Trevor said:
We’re very pleased to be able to support Arthritis Care, who are doing amazing work in supporting people with arthritis in Northamptonshire and across the country. Living with arthritis can be a painful struggle, made all the worse by the loneliness and isolation that too often accompany it.
Video footage of VWBro Trevor addressing the group can be viewed below:
Video footage of the presentation
VWBro Trevor, together with the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Gerry Crawford, and WBro John Fergusson, took time to chat with arthritis sufferers to out more about how the group supports them.
WBro John Fergusson (right) chatting with members of the group
Stewart Long, Director of Nations & Services at Arthritis Care, said:
We’re very grateful to Northamptonshire Freemasons for this much needed grant. The funding will allow us to expand our vital work in supporting people with arthritis across the country. The new groups will enable more people living with arthritis to meet new people and receive support to manage their condition.
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