LOCAL hospices stand to benefit from thousands of pounds of extra funding thanks to the Freemason’s Grand Charity.

The charity has raised £11,200 which will be donated to fives hospices across the county, including Acorns Children’s Hospice and St Richard’s Foundation Hospice in Worcester.

Freemasons have a long tradition of helping hospices and their Grand Charity has donated £9.3 million since 1984, all raised by Freemasons and their families.

Richard Goddard, provincial grand master for Worcestershire, said: “Supporting hospice services remains very important to Freemasons in Worcestershire, and we are delighted the Grand Charity has continued to provide funding this year. The care provided by hospices is exceptional, but continual financial support is necessary to ensure such a dedicated service. We are pleased to be able to demonstrate our continued commitment to their causes.”

St Richard’s Hospice fund-raising director Tricia Cavell said: “We are extremely grateful for this wonderful donation and the support of our local Freemasons. Gifts such as this ensure we can continue to care for our patients and families and offer a haven of dignity and compassion.”

The 16-bed hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,200 patients and family members in Worcestershire.