Northumberland Freemasons have helped a Berwick cyclist who had diabetes raise vital cash for a charity close to his heart.
Paul Cassidy is a member of Heart of Glendale Freemasons Lodge which meets in Berwick upon Tweed and he is also one of the 4.8 million people living with Diabetes in the UK. Following a determined period of healthier living including taking up power walking and cycling, Paul lost an incredible five stones and regained control of the condition.
He has now taken part in the UK Wide Cycle Ride challenge where over a period of 30 days, he has been logging the miles on his bike around the Borders to virtually cycle across the UK. In total, Paul has raised £3750 for Diabetes UK and cycled just over 700 miles.
“It was a major challenge, but each mile was for an incredible cause close to my heart and I feel proud that I’m helping to create a world where diabetes can do no harm at the same time as helping me defeat the illness,” said Paul.
George Sanger representing Northumberland Freemasons explained that each year, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland through the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund donates around £80,000 twice each year to local charities and good causes to boost worthwhile and deserving projects throughout Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.
“We are delighted to help Paul by donating £500 towards his target as he is a great example to everyone and we are delighted that he has made himself healthier and fitter at the same time.”
Freemasons buildings in the Province of Northumberland can be found in:
Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Bellingham, Berwick, Blyth, Byker, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Mickley, Morpeth, Newbiggin, Jesmond, Newcastle, North Shields, Seahouses, Seaton Delaval, Shiremoor, Throckley, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and Wylam.
To donate: www.cycle.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/paul1576
If you have a story, event or news item you would like to have published on the Provincial website, please get in touch with the Provincial Communications Team at news@northumberlandmasons.org.uk