FREEMASONS have raised £5,000 for a leading sight loss support charity.

Page Masonic Lodge, which meets at the Worcester Masonic Centre in Rainbow Hill, will be using the donation to name a puppy through Guide Dogs’ ‘Name a Puppy’ sponsorship scheme,.

Philip Abram, worshipful master of Page Masonic Lodge, said: “As dog lovers, we were looking to support a charity involving dogs.

“What better charity than Guide Dogs.

Page Masonic Lodge will be naming their puppy Morgan, in memory of the first dog Philip and his wife Jayne owned together.

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Mr Abram added: “My predecessor David Brown, who supported with fundraising last year, was happy for us to name a guide dog puppy after our dog Morgan as he knew how much he meant to us.”

Miles Northwood, community fundraising development officer for Guide Dogs Birmingham, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Page Masonic Lodge for this fantastic donation.

“Our name a puppy sponsorship is a fantastic way for community groups to support us and provides the unique opportunity to name and follow the journey of a guide dog puppy.

“As a guide dog owner, I have personal experience of just what an amazing difference a guide dog can make to someone living with sight loss.

“Without my own guide dog, Nushka, I wouldn’t be able to live life to the full.

There are around 20 guide dog owners living in Worcester and approximately 400 people living with severe sight loss in the city.

It costs around £55,000 to fund a guide dog from birth to its retirement and the charity relies almost entirely on public support.

The charity was set up in 1934 and also supports the rights of people with sight issues.

If you or your company would like to name a Guide Dog puppy and follow their journey, contact Guide Dogs Birmingham Community Team on 0345 143 0194 or email birmingham@guidedogs.org.uk