Just before 9am on Saturday 1st June, thirty-three Metropolitan and Middlesex Freemasons, family members, and friends set off on foot from Twickenham Masonic Centre. 

W Bro Tom Currie PMetGStwd. Photos: Middlesex: W.Bro. Raj Patel, London: W.Bro. Daren Lewis

Their aim: to walk a twenty-mile route to Freemasons’ Hall, to raise money for Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s ‘Up Against Time’ appeal.

As every London Freemason will be aware, London’s Air Ambulance is seeking to raise £15 million to replace its two existing helicopters which will soon be taken out of service. Metropolitan Grand Lodge is the single biggest donor to this appeal, pledging to raise £3 million.

The 2023 Metropolitan Grand Stewards spent their active year in office raising over £20,000 towards the appeal, it being the twentieth year since the founding of Metropolitan Grand Lodge. The sponsored walk was the brainchild of W Bro Grant Bailey PMetGStwd, who said, “The planning for the sponsored walk coincided with the end of the 2023 stewards’ term of office and the 2024 stewards beginning theirs; it was a great opportunity for both year groups – and indeed any and all Freemasons and their families – to take part and raise money for this vital cause. The camaraderie on the day, and the new friendships formed between London and Middlesex Masons, demonstrated the best of Freemasonry: having fun with likeminded people, whilst doing good for society.”

The appeal received a huge boost thanks to the amazing generosity of Middlesex Provincial Grand Lodge and the Middlesex Province Relief Fund, who donated an enormous £100,000 towards the appeal. RW Bro David Allan, Pro Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex, said, “This event was significant in three especial ways: it showed that Freemasonry is not self-serving, but raises money for the communities in which its members live; it illustrated that fundraising is fun to take part in; and it demonstrated that whichever Province we meet in, we can have common goals with other Provinces to achieve greater results and form a larger network of friends. The walk encapsulated all things that are good in being a Freemason!”

Upon arriving at Freemasons’ Hall at 5pm, the participants – who, although tired, ensured they remained hydrated at a few strategic pub stops along the way – were greeted by W Bro Stratton Richey, Chair of the London Freemasons’ Charity, and Jayne Clarke from London’s Air Ambulance Charity. A cheque from Middlesex Masons for £107,500 was presented; including sponsorships raised by Metropolitan Masons, over £115,000 was raised during the day.

Upon receiving the cheque, Stratton told the group, “Raising over £100,000 towards the Appeal is a remarkable achievement. Freemasons and their families, uniting under their respective Grand Lodges and walking in unity to save lives, makes me so proud to be a Mason.”

As we went to press, we learned that W Bro Raj Patel, who took the pictures here at the Middlesex start of the walk, has ascended to the Grand Lodge above.  We wish his family and Brethren comfort and condolences in their time of grief.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 55 Summer 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 55 here.