Northumberland Freemasons and Northumberland Mark Master Masons have donated over £150,000 to the Children's Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
The donation combines £50,000 from Richard Henry Holmes Charity and £103,035 from the Mark Benevolent Fund. It was made in memory of Gordon Craigs, a Northumberland Freemasons member who died suddenly in July.
Northumberland Freemasons maintain buildings across 23 locations, including Hexham, Alnwick, Newcastle, and Whitley Bay.
A commemorative presentation and dinner took place at Blyth Masonic Hall. CHUF held special significance for Gordon Craigs and his wife Barbara, as the unit had cared for their first grandson.
The donation will fund echocardiogram equipment, honoring both Craigs' commitment to Freemasonry and CHUF's vital work. CHUF representatives Charlotte Campbell and Alicia Clovis-Mothalib attended the event, alongside Ian Clark, deputy president of the Mark Benevolent Fund.
Craigs served in Freemasonry for 45 years, beginning with Lodge Palatine No. 5345 in 1979, holding positions including lodge secretary and treasurer.
Ian Craigs, head of Northumberland Freemasons, and Raymond Arthur Walton, head of Northumberland Mark Master Masons, praised Gordon's legacy. Ian Craigs noted: "Gordon's unwavering dedication, his service, and his love for Freemasonry have left an indelible mark on our community."
Raymond Walton added: "We are honoured to make this donation in his memory, knowing it will bring hope and healing to young lives at CHUF."
Charlotte Campbell, director of operations and fundraising at CHUF, expressed gratitude: "When we were approached by the Northumberland Freemasons about them putting in an application in support of Chuf's Seven Appeal to the Mark Benevolent Fund, we had no idea that it would result in such a hugely generous amount. We simply cannot thank you all enough."
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