Tony Keenan, a member of Homelyn Lodge No.6075, which meets at Ashington Masonic Building, is currently in training to undertake the iconic Great North Bike Ride, a 60 mile bike ride, on 29th August, and the Great North Run, a 13.1 mile run, on 12th September, raising much needed funds for the Northumbria Blood Bikes.
Tony explained that he had been a member of the organisation for about a year, and the cause was very close to his heart as a family member had had to use their services previously.
When not delivering with the Northumbria Blood Bikes, Tony regularly offers his services to deliver hot meals on behalf of the Ashington & Bedlington Masonic Meals on Wheels Team.
Northumbria Blood Bikes is a registered charity, established by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and urgent medical supplies, out of hours, between hospitals and other healthcare sites in North East England.
They carry out this service free of charge, ensuring the limited resources of the NHS can be used where it makes a difference.
In critical situations, blood or other medical items need to be delivered urgently in order to save a patient’s life. Blood bikes, with their distinctive livery, emergency lights, and narrow profile, can quickly get through busy traffic to reach their destination. For bulky items, or in extreme weather conditions, they use cars too, to ensure their service is available every day of the year.
To volunteer, or to find out more about the work Northumbria Blood Bikes do, head over to https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/
Tony explained his ethos to Freemasonry, and charity in general, stating “I’m active in a charity sense in all forms and feel it is a duty as a Freemason to assist with the voluntary work I do, plus I really enjoy it”.
Why not encourage him all the way round the courses, and help to more than smash his target, by donating at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TonyKeenan
Many thanks to Bro. Tony Keenan for the submission of this article.
Good luck, from all here at Northumberland Freemasons, on your admiral endeavour and congratulations on exemplifying the true meaning of Freemasonry.
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