Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) receives cheque from Eastwoodbury Masonic Lodge

Two members of Eastwoodbury Lodge No 7922 which meets at Rochford Masonic Hall presented the cheque for £1,000 to Lucy Thomas-Clayton, the Charity Director at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.

Paul Thomson, who was treated by the CTC following a heart attack whilst attending a match at West Ham, said "Words cannot express how pleased I am to be able to present this well-deserved donation. Without the unit and its wonderful staff, I would probably not be here today." Fellow Freemason David King added "Perhaps Paul should avoid stressful situations such as West Ham home games in future."

Located at Basildon University Hospital and part of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, serving a population of 1.8 million, the CTC offers a range of services for people who need specialist treatment for heart and lung conditions. It carries out approximately 900 cardiac surgeries, 500 thoracic operations and 2,400 cardiology procedures each year.

Around 8,000 Essex Freemasons donated over £1.34 million to charity in 2023 and there is a continuing flow of new members attracted by the good work Freemasonry does in the community. Mark Kirby, the secretary of Eastwoodbury Lodge with about 20 members said "We have a long tradition of supporting local charities and anyone who wants to discover more or has an interest in joining can contact me at [email protected]."