Launchpad was one of four charities to receive a generous donation from Durham Freemasons.
Phil Thompson, Manager of both Avondale House and Hollyacre House in the North East attended the Durham Armed Forces Network – Charity Walk Presentation evening held at Sanctuary Lodge in Durham.
On Saturday 8 June, 16 walkers set off on a 22-mile walk along the Durham Coastal Path, starting at the Military Museum show piece at the Heugh Gun Battery in Hartlepool, passing directly by the Tommy World War One Sculpture at Seaham and then on to the Sunderland War Memorial in Mowbray Park, Sunderland.
The walkers raised an incredible £10,000 and this was generously matched by Durham Freemasons Charity which means including Gift Aid, over £21,000 was raised and distributed to veterans charities in the North East.
Durham Freemasons has established an Armed Forces Committee (AFC) with the purpose of engaging with and enhancing the lives of the Armed Forces community across its Province. Since its inception, the AFC were keen to organise a charitable event with the purpose of raising funds through the Durham Freemasons Charity specifically to support veterans charities.
Launchpad received a donation of £6,000 which was greatly received and will be used to purchase and install outdoor gym equipment and an awning at Hollyacre House for residents to stay active and to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
Phil Thompson said:
“We are very grateful to Durham Freemasons and the Durham Freemasons Charity for their generous donation and congratulate all the walkers who participated in the charity walk this summer. This money will be invested into installing outdoor gym equipment for our residents to use which will encourage them to be outdoors and exercise and help with their mental health and wellbeing.”
