Lifelites has been privileged to have enjoyed the support of a small number of philanthropists who share our belief that children with life-limiting conditions and complex disabilities should be able to enjoy a childhood filled with fun, creativity and connection.
One supporter in particular, Freemason Tom Jones, has been an enthusiastic champion of the charity since becoming aware of its unique and impactful work during a fundraising appeal by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight in 2016.
As a proud Mark Master Mason since 2012, Tom has passionately supported a large number of charities, with Lifelites remaining particularly close to his heart.
A grandfather nine times over, Tom embraced the chance to help us provide innovative assistive and sensory technology to children with life-limiting conditions, empowering them and their families to experience moments of joy and build cherished memories.
Tom said, “I have a real soft spot for children’s charities, and with Lifelites being supported by Freemasons across Britain, the choice to support them was easy. In my capacity as Master at various lodges, I have been able to have raised vital funds for Lifelites to support children and families both locally and across the UK”.
After selling his successful fit-out company in 2005, Tom has also been able to dedicate more of his time to one of his other passions: sailing on cruises with Maureen, his wife of 55 years, and taking their extended family on holidays.
Cruise number 90 was recently completed, with highlights of their round the world adventures being Australia, South Africa and Vienna, and many more.
“I am in a very fortunate position, so being able to support the amazing work of Lifelites and various other fantastic charities is the least that I can do. I want to help people, I want to make everyone aware of the predicaments people are facing, work to find solutions and make a difference, which is why being a Freemason is so rewarding and fulfilling.”
Continuing his commitment to philanthropy, Tom stepped forward to become the first Individual member of Lifelites’ Platinum Partner programme in 2020, pledging a £5,000 donation each year for four years, the life-cycle of one of the technology and support packages the charity provides each hospice in Britain.
“I am very proud to be a Mark Master Mason and I am very aware of what a Mark Master Mason should try and achieve in himself. I do my utmost to be thoughtful to others, show kindness in the community, be honest in business, show courtesy in society and justice and fairness in all things I do.”
Head of Fundraising and Communications at Lifelites, Simon Pitts, said, ‘Everyone at Lifelites would like to say a massive thank you to Tom for his continued support. We receive no government or statutory funding so we rely on the incredible generosity of philanthropists like Tom to enable us to continue providing innovative technology and specialist technical support to the children’s palliative care sector across Britain and Ireland’.
Tom and his colleagues at the Mark Benevolent Fund also awarded Lifelites over £141,000 to Lifelites in 2018, allowing us to expand our ground-breaking TechTrunks project, enabling palliative care professionals to take our technology out into the community.
If you would like to know more about our philanthropy programme and how you can support children with life-limiting conditions, please contact Simon at spitts@lifelites.org.