Essex Master’s Lodge 3256 Become First to Reach Platinum Level

Lifelites was delighted to deliver an assistive tech showcase to Essex Freemasons at their Lodge meeting on Thursday 26^th June, following an amazing £10,000 donation to continue our vital work across their Province. Reigning Worshipful Master Paul Harris expressed his desire “for the Brethren of Essex Masters Lodge to witness, in person, the tangible and transformative impact their charitable contributions make within the wider community.”

The event saw members try out a number of our life-changing equipment, including Eyegaze with its revolutionary eye-tracking software, the Magic Carpet and the ever-popular Cosmo switch games.

Showcases like this enable supporters to see first-hand the impact of their generosity and experience the power and versatility of assistive technology. For Essex Freemasons, who have regularly invested in our programme of inclusion and accessibility across their communities, it was a privilege to be able to explain how their donations are providing opportunities and experiences that would otherwise be impossible.

We were also invited to deliver a short presentation on our 25^th anniversary plans to reach even more children and young people across the UK over the next 5 years. This expansion is part of our ambitious outreach strategy, fuelled by donations like those awarded by Essex Masters Lodge.

We were thrilled when Dennis Baum, Past Master of Essex Masters and Trustee of the Harry Hoy Fund announced, a further gift of £5,500 would be awarded, making Essex Master’s No.3256 the first lodge in the English constitution to reach Platinum Level of our new honorifics programme, having granted £25,000 to Lifelites.

Gordon Goodall, Secretary of Essex Masters Lodge No. 3256, said, “As Secretary of Essex Masters Lodge, I am proud to witness the generosity of the Brethren translated into real, meaningful change. Our charitable efforts are not just symbolic – they actively uplift lives, and it is both humbling and inspiring to see that impact first hand.”

Rob Lightfoot, Chief Executive, said, “We are truly honoured and grateful to Essex Master’s Lodge 3256 for their continued belief in our work and for championing equality and opportunity for seriously ill children across their Province. The generosity, kindness and support they have shown Lifelites perfectly encapsulates what we can achieve when we work together for vulnerable families across our communities. Essex Freemasons have proven themselves time and time again to uphold and embody the spirit of Freemasonry, and their unwavering support of children with life-limiting conditions is inspiring. Thank you so much.”

Read more about our Honorifics programme or contact spitts@lifelites.org to find out more about supporting children and families in your Province.