Freemasons from Cambridgeshire and London have joined together to support the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, providing targeted assistance for young patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
The initiative began following a Masonic social event held at the Belfry Hotel in Cambridge last year, where members of the London based Lodge of Stability No.217 met Staff Nurse Ellie-Mae Banks, a Staff Nurse on the PICU. Her passion for patient care and the dedication she described within the unit left a lasting impression. Inspired by her commitment, Lodge members, including Harlan Lunn, a Mental Health First Aider and Freemason, felt strongly that they should offer practical support to Ellie-Mae and her colleagues.
Michael Allen, Secretary of the Lodge of Stability No. 217, said: “After meeting Ellie-Mae and hearing about the incredible work carried out on the PICU, members were deeply moved by her passion and the challenges faced by families on the ward. The Lodge felt we could make a small but meaningful difference through targeted support.”
Members of the Lodge of Stability No.217 raised £1,350, with a proportion of the funds provided by Bro. Mark Wheeler, enabling the purchase of Amazon gift vouchers intended for the direct benefit of children and families within the unit. The vouchers were selected in consultation with local contacts and Cambridgeshire Freemasons to ensure the donation would have an immediate and practical impact.
When the Deputy Leader of Cambridgeshire Masons, Jonathan Lambert, learned that London Freemasons were supporting a specialist ward in Cambridge, he felt it was important to assist locally in facilitating the arrangements and strengthening the collaboration. Working alongside Tony Barrios, Provincial Communications Officer for Cambridgeshire Freemasons, he helped coordinate a visit to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where representatives met staff, formally presented the vouchers, and gained a deeper understanding of the essential work carried out by the highly skilled PICU team.
Tony Barrios, who also coordinates the Teddies for Loving Care initiative for Addenbrooke’s, brought along a box of comfort teddies for young patients, small but meaningful gestures intended to provide reassurance and comfort during their hospital stay.
As a further gesture of thanks, staff on the PICU were presented with chocolates and a selection of luxury cakes, recognising their commitment and care they provide to children and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Matron, Hannah Cherry, welcomed the donation, commenting: “These vouchers will enable our team to purchase interactive toys and items that help make children’s time on the unit more comfortable and engaging. Hospital stays can involve long periods of waiting, so having resources that provide stimulation and reassurance makes a real difference to young patients and their families.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Jonathan Lambert added: “It was insiring to see Freemasons from different areas coming together to support such a vital local service. We were pleased to assist in facilitating the donation and to contribute further with comfort teddies for the children.”
