Callum's New Chair

2^nd, June, 2010.

The Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.

A few months ago, it was heard through the grapevine that a young Blackpool man named Callum, who was suffering from a debilitating symptoms, had reached a stage where he could no longer physically move his wheelchair and in consequence had lost all mobility.

The disturbing news reached the ears of the members of Clifton Lodge No. 703. This lodge being a member of the Blackpool Group of Freemasons, decided to do something about the problem.

 Under the guidance of W.Bro. Alan Davies and other prominent members of the lodge they decided to raise enough money to purchase a fully automated electric wheelchair, which could facilitate Callum’s problems.  The Freemasons of Clifton Lodge raised a magnificent sum of £1500-00p.

They then wrote to all the lodges in the Blackpool Group and the sum was raised to approximately £3500-00p.  This was still well short of the required amount.

 So they applied to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity.  After careful consideration the Charity Committee agreed to double the amount to a staggering £7400-00p, and the wheelchair was purchased.

 Presenting the wheelchair on behalf of the Freemasons Terry Hudson, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master said what a pleasure and honour it was to meet Callum, and he hoped that Callum would have many years of pleasure from the mobility he could now experience. He thanked Carla, (Callum’s Mum) and the family for bringing Callum to the hall for the presentation.

 Also in attendance was the Regional Fundraising Manager, Mr Ashley Westpfel, representing Whizz-kids, a national charity which helps children just like Callum.  He had made a special journey up from London just for the presentation, and was returning back the next day.  Ashley said how very impressed he was with the Freemasons of Blackpool, not only with the magnificent sum raised, but as it was his first visit to the town he had felt a genuine warmth of welcome.

After the presentation, Callum’s mum, Carla said, that when Callum had lost all mobility the family was at their wits end. This new wheelchair is just amazing, for Callum to have a return to mobility  has given him back his pride and just as importantly he has regained his independence. The chair is just an amazing piece of equipment. 

I cannot thank the members of Clifton Lodge, the Blackpool Freemasons and the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity enough.

After the presentation everyone was invited to the top lodge room where Terry gave a short explanation of its function and the roll of Freemasonry in the community. 

from left  Terry Hudson, Callum and Mum, & Alan Davies	Callum in his new chair
from left Terry Hudson, Alan Davies, Carla (Mum), Callum, and Ashley Westpfel (Whizz Kids)