Charity Co-operation Aids Recruitment

Concerned about his eyesight, Rex Taylor went to his GP and set in motion a chain of events that brought about treatment for him, a chair lift for his wife and the initiation of his consultant into a Derbyshire lodge!
     Rex was diagnosed with wet agerelated macular degeneration. Following a fluorescein scan and laser treatment, he was told that nothing further was available on the NHS, but advised that a series of Lucentis injections offered a 95% chance of stabilising his sight. A series of six injections was funded by the Masonic Samaritan Fund (MSF and administered by his consultant, Mr Pankaj Puri.
     The Almoner’s report on the application form highlighted the fact that Rex’s deteriorating eyesight made it difficult for him to look after his wife Selina, who had limited mobility.
     Further enquiries by staff at the MSF identified the need for a chair lift and gained agreement from the Taylors to make an approach to the Grand Charity. A chair lift was installed and funded in full by the Grand Charity.
     As an added and unexpected bonus, Mr Puri approached Rex and enquired about freemasonry. Although Rex was unable to convince him of the benefits of being a Nottinghamshire freemason, Mr Puri has now been initiated into a Derbyshire lodge.
     The combined efforts of two of the central masonic charities not only helped a couple in need, but also so impressed a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, that he has now joined the Craft.

Within the current global economic crisis, many freemasons and their families may find ongoing worries about their health exacerbated by increasing financial uncertainty. Others may find that their local health authority is no longer able to meet promised waiting times for surgery.
     In either case, there is now an even greater need to look out for those who might benefit from the support available from the Masonic Samaritan Fund.
     The Fund provides grants towards the cost of medical, dental and respite care for freemasons and their dependants.
     Support is not only available for a wide range of medical needs, but is also provided for those who are unable to access dental treatment via an NHS dentist at NHS charges. Grants to fund the provision of respite care are also available to those who have a long-term caring commitment.
     Support is available to those who have an identified need and, faced with a long wait for treatment or care, are unable to fund their own treatment or care without incurring financial hardship. The application process is straightforward and confidential.
     Initial enquiries are welcome direct to the Fund in order to determine if an application is appropriate. Early contact with the Fund is encouraged, as applications made after treatment has taken place are only supported in exceptional circumstances.
     When assessing financial need, the value of the applicant’s home is not taken into account. Allowances are made for reasonable expenditure and the cost of the proposed treatment, or care package is deducted from any capital held.
     Applicants do not need to be destitute in order to qualify for support. For further details please contact the Fund on 020 7404 1550 or visit the website www.msfund.org.uk for further information.

CONTACT DETAILS Masonic Samaritan Fund 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 7404 1550 Fax: 020 7404 1544 mail@msfund.org.uk www.msfund.org.uk