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Pinner Lodge No. 3300
Nottinghamshire
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Masonic Samaritan Fund
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When it was established in 1990, the Masonic Samaritan Fund adopted the prefix of “New” in order to differentiate it from the Samaritan Fund at the Royal Masonic Hospital. As the “New” Fund enters its 18th year, this potential confusion is no longer considered relevant.
The Board of Management of the Fund has therefore decided to revert to using what has always been the official legal title of the Charity - The Masonic Samaritan Fund.
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At the same time, and in anticipation of the move into Freemasons’ Hall, the Fund has redesigned its logo. It retains much that is familiar, but also now incorporates a brief statement that helps to explain the type of support that it seeks to provide.
If you would like further details of the “Medical Care and Support” that is available, please contact the Fund direct on 020 7404 1550 or visit the website at msfund.org.uk
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EXTRA SUPPORT GIVEN AS GRANTS REACH £3.7 MILLION FOR FINANCIAL YEAR FOR MORE THAN 600 APPLICANTS
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In its recent financial year, the Masonic Samaritan Fund has supported more applicants than in any previous year since it was established. Grants totalling £3.7 million have been made in support of 626 applicants - a 25% increase compared with the previous year. This level of charitable giving equals to £10,000 every day of the year in direct support of those in need of medical care and support.
This support has been made available for a wide variety of needs. It has been provided to applicants of all ages who have an identified medical need and, faced with a long wait for, or unable to access, treatment via the NHS, cannot afford their own private treatment.
Support has been available equally to Freemasons and their wives, partners, widows and dependants. Last year, the youngest applicant was six months old, whilst the oldest to date was 104 years young. The Fund considers a wait of six months or more ( two months for cardiac treatment ) is too long. Whilst many applications continue to request support for orthopaedic treatment, hip and knee replacements, support has also been provided this year for weight loss surgery, age-related macular degeneration and the provision of cancer drugs amongst many others.
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With only minor exceptions, the Fund will consider applications for support with any treatment or surgery that is licensed for provision by the NHS. With an ever increasing number of people caring for a loved one at home, support is also available from the Fund in support of the provision of Respite Care. Support is available to fund the provision of care for the individual in need of care, so that the carer can enjoy a well-deserved break from their 24 hour a day, seven days a week caring responsibilities.
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One such case involved a 78-year-old stroke victim who was also diabetic and awaiting a pacemaker and relies on his wife for mobility. She has arthritis, is also diabetic and recently underwent a TKR. She was exhausted with her caring responsibilities and had fallen many times. The Fund paid for respite to enable her to recharge her batteries, knowing that her husband was being well cared for.
If you would like further details of the support available from the Masonic Samaritan Fund, please contact them direct by telephone or email or visit their website. Support is available, but can only be provided if the Fund is made aware of the medical care and support that is needed.
Contact details : Masonic Samaritan Fund, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. Telephone : 020 7404 1550; Fax : 020 7404 1544. Email : mail@msfund.org.uk Website : www.msfund.org.uk
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