Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Network - Charity Walk 8th June 2024
As many of you will know, the Provincial Grand Master established an Armed Forces Committee (AFC) for Durham Freemasons with the purpose of engaging with and enhancing the lives of the Armed Forces community across the Province. Since its inception, the AFC were keen to organise a charitable event with the purpose of raising funds through the Durham Freemasons Charity specifically to support Veterans Charities in the North East.
WBro Paul Fryer identified an inaugural Charity Event ensuring it was relevant, challenging, accessible and engaging for all. Something that everyone could buy into and on Saturday 8th June 2024, 16 walkers set off on a 22 Mile walk along the Durham Coastal Path, starting at the Military Museum show piece at the Heugh Gun Battery in Hartlepool, passing directly by the Tommy World War One Sculpture at Seaham and then on to the Sunderland War Memorial in Mowbray Park, Sunderland which is immediately across the road from the Wearside Masonic Temple where his own Lodge meets.
The team of 16 walkers was made up of 12 Durham Freemasons, 1 of their wives, 1 of their sons, 1 of their brothers-in-law and 1 friend of one of the walkers. Ages of the walkers ranged from 21 to 70. These were backed up by a team of 8 support staff for the event who acted as Check point marshals, refreshment coordinators, photographers and drone operators. Seaham Masonic Hall kindly opened their doors for us to use as a refreshment and personal admin point, the father of one of the walkers prepared what he said would be a small buffet with some soup, that turned out to be a feast fit for kings. The Wearside Masonic Temple bar was open for some post walk liquid refreshment of the amber nectar variety and of course the North East Ambulance Service and local hospitals were on standby throughout!
In true military fashion, we counted them all out and counted them all back in. No losses and no dropouts. All 16 completed the event. The first walkers in just under 6 hours and the final ones in 8.5 hours. However, it must be stressed that those last 3 walkers did the event in style. Stopping at a coffee shop after 4.2 miles, for an ice cream after 10 miles, full refuelling pit stop in Seaham after 16 miles before crossing the finish line after 22 miles.
The walkers, although obviously tired and aching, were relatively unscathed and all made swift recoveries. One suffered with some severe blisters, and one with ulcers under toenails which required the removal of 3 full toenails!! But the whole event was a resounding success and has not only cemented the Armed Forces Network establishment but generated a potential candidate to Freemasonry as well.
To collect donations, the walkers utilised the MCF Give Tap online charitable donation platform, with all contributions going to the Durham Freemasons Charity, for onward distribution in close conjunction with the Armed Forces Network, to North East based Veterans Charities.
The walkers have raised an incredible £10,000 of direct donations. With a likely additional £1,500 plus of Gift Aid to follow from those personal contributions that are eligible. Durham Freemasons Charity have confirmed that they will generously match fund a total of £10,000 too. Which means the walkers have raised the phenomenal sum in excess of £21,000 that will be distributed to Veterans Charities across our Province. The coordination and allocation of which is happening now, and the details and presentations published in future Durham Insight issues and via the Provincial Social Media platforms.
On behalf of all the Team, we convey our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your very generous donations. All funds raised will be distributed through Veterans Charities in the North East to those Veterans in need.
The Armed Forces Network continues to develop and thrive with many upcoming events planned. If you would like to be added to the Network email distribution, please contact WBro Paul Fryer at PFryer@durhamfreemsaons.org
