Skydiving for St Catherine’s Hospice A Leyland Mark Brother’s Fundraising Journey |
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| Brethren of Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002 have recently rallied behind one of their own, W. Bro. Adam Dennett, in a remarkable and very personal fundraising effort in support of St Catherine’s Hospice. | |
| During his year in the chair of his Craft Lodge, Carnarvon No. 2376, Adam set himself the challenge of raising funds for St Catherine’s, a charity that is particularly close to his heart. St Catherine’s cared for his grandfather, Bro. Dick Barron, in his final months. Dick was himself a much-loved member of both Carnarvon Lodge and Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002, which makes this appeal especially meaningful. | |
| As part of his fundraising programme, Adam decided to undertake a tandem skydive. What began as an already daunting 11,000-foot jump became something even more demanding when he upgraded to 15,000 feet on the day. | |
| Reflecting on the experience, Adam said: | |
| “It was the most terrifying experience of my life, especially the freefall. I will not be signing up again any time soon, but I am very glad I did it for St Catherine’s and in memory of my grandad.” | |
| Pictures (below) of the skydive show both the intensity of the experience and the sense of relief as Adam returns safely to solid ground. Behind the images lies a deeper story of family, remembrance and Masonic charity in action. | |
| Support from Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002 | |
| At a recent meeting of Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002, the members demonstrated their support for Adam’s efforts with a generous donation of £200. The contribution was made on behalf of the Lodge and was received with sincere gratitude. | |
| Speaking about the Lodge’s support, Adam commented: | |
| “I was truly humbled by the £200 donation from the Brethren of Leyland Mark. Knowing that the Lodge my grandad belonged to is supporting St Catherine’s in his name means a great deal to me and to my family.” | |
| The donation from Leyland Mark sits alongside many contributions made by family, friends and brethren who have supported Adam’s JustGiving page, as well as funds raised at a recent charity ball he organised as part of his year in the chair at Carnarvon Lodge. Taken together, the Leyland Mark donation, support from other Lodges, online giving and the proceeds of the charity ball mean that the total raised for St Catherine’s is now well over £3,000. | |
| A Shared Legacy | |
| The connection to W. Bro. Dick Barron runs through every part of this story. Dick’s membership of both Carnarvon Lodge No. 2376 and Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002 created a strong Masonic legacy that Adam is proud to continue. The fact that the same Lodges Dick belonged to have now combined to support St Catherine’s in his memory is a powerful demonstration of the Masonic principles of brotherly love and relief in practice. | |
| Adam has spoken of how much his grandfather loved his Masonry and how highly he regarded the Brethren in both Lodges. To see those Lodges now standing behind a charitable effort in his name has provided a fitting tribute and a source of great personal comfort. | |
| Looking Ahead | |
| Although Adam has no plans to repeat the skydiving experience, he remains committed to continuing his fundraising and charitable work as part of his ongoing Masonic journey. He has expressed his gratitude for the backing he has received from Leyland Mark and from everyone who has contributed or sent good wishes. | |
| For anyone who would still like to support Adam’s fundraising for St Catherine’s Hospice, donations can be made via his JustGiving page: | |
| Every contribution, no matter the size, helps St Catherine’s continue its vital work in the community. The Brethren of Leyland Mark Lodge No. 1002 can take pride in the role they have played in this achievement, supporting a Brother as he honours his grandfather’s memory and upholds the Masonic commitment to charity and service. | |
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| Visit St Chatherines Website here | |
| Words by Mike Pinckard | |
| Pictures courtesy of Black Knights Skydiving Centre Click here to Visit Site. | |
