David Blair, Deputy Leader of Cambridgeshire Freemasons, was pleased to meet Mia Jack and her family, parents Stuart and Angela, boyfriend Billy, and Nicola Bradley, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Coordinator from the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) during a visit to Milton Country Park.
Mia, who sustained a brain injury at age 12 in a quadbike accident, shared her remarkable journey through poetry, music, and personal reflections. Her mother Angela spoke movingly about the unwavering support CBIT has provided over the past six years, describing it as invaluable and highlighting the comfort of having someone to turn to at any time.
Over 350 children and young people living with acquired brain injuries (ABI) will receive vital help and support over the next three years thanks to a generous grant from Cambridgeshire Freemasons to the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT).
The £60,000 grant will allow CBIT to continue delivering specialist services to families across the East of England and beyond, helping children affected by childhood-acquired brain injury access the support they need at home, in school, and within their communities.
Every 15 minutes in the UK, a child or young person sustains a brain injury. Whether due to accidents, illnesses, strokes or other causes, an ABI can affect a child’s ability to learn, communicate, and regulate their emotions. The impact is often hidden but life-changing, not just for the child, but for their whole family.
The Child Brain Injury Trust works directly with families to provide emotional support, practical guidance, and expert information from the point of diagnosis through to adulthood. The charity also delivers training for schools, health professionals and social workers to increase awareness of childhood-acquired brain injury and create more inclusive environments where every child has the chance to thrive.
This funding from Cambridgeshire Freemasons will help CBIT reach more families, develop accessible resources, and provide direct support via ABI Coordinators who guide families through the challenges of recovery, education and long-term care.
The grant from Cambridgeshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
We’re so thankful to Cambridgeshire Freemasons for this generous grant. Every child deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, but when a brain injury turns life upside down, the path forward can feel overwhelming. With this funding, we can continue to walk alongside families, empowering them with the tools and confidence they need to rebuild their futures. Together, we’re creating a world where acquired brain injury is understood and no child is left behind.
— Amelia Larard, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at the Child Brain Injury Trust
I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help CBIT with their vital work. Living with a brain injury is incredibly challenging for any child, especially when their needs aren’t fully recognised or supported. CBIT’s work ensures that families aren’t left to face those challenges alone, it’s a lifeline for so many and something we’re proud to support.
— David Blair, Deputy Leader from Cambridgeshire Freemasons
