The money to fund a new medical emergency equipment store at the charity’s Little Bridge House children’s hospice near Barnstaple in North Devon was raised through the Devon Mark Charity Association’s 2022 project, a celebration of the centenary of the association.

The new equipment store will enable the care staff to store oxygen and specialist equipment for children staying at the hospice with a range of complex care needs.

Right Worshipful Brother Peter Baslom, together with W.Bro.Trevor Jenkins, the Chairman of the Devon Mark Charity Association, W.Bro. Brett Varker and W.Bro. Paul Howard Baker visited Little Bridge House to present the fundraising cheque to CHSW Chief Executive Eddie Farwell and cut the ribbon with four-year-old hospice user Henry Dunn.

Mr Farwell said: “In the 24 years that we have been here we are always looking at ways to improve the service we offer and this generous donation from the Devon Mark Charity Association does just that.

“Their support is very special and it was hugely rewarding to be able to show members just how their donation will benefit Little Bridge House.”

Tracy Freame Head of Care at Little Bridge House, added: “Some children who use the hospice, especially those who are fully ventilated, have additional oxygen requirements and the cylinders take up quite a lot of space.

“The old store was very small but the new addition makes it easier for the care team to access the equipment when they need it. It also has excellent practical benefits in terms of deliveries at the hospice.”

Little Bridge House supports nearly 200 local families a year and offers them vital respite and the chance to recharge their batteries while making special memories.

W.Bro Trevor Jenkins, who was accompanied by association Vice-Chairman, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker; Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of Devonshire,Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom; and the Provincial Mark Charity Steward, Worshipful Brother Paul Howard-Baker, visited the children’s hospice to mark the completion of the project. They were given a tour of the hospice to see for themselves how the charity helps families.