HARTLEPOOL and District Hospice welcomed fellow hospice representatives from across the region as they all benefited from an annual cash boost.
Every year the Freemasons Grand Charity donates money to 239 hospices throughout England and Wales.
Eight hospices within the Masonic Province of Durham are among those to receive the money in an initiative which has been running since 1984.
This year the cheque handover was held at Hartlepool’s Wells Avenue-based hospice where the Provincial Grand Master for Durham, Norman Eric Heaviside, handed over around £1,900 to each facility.
Rebecca Jobson, Hartlepool and District Hospice’s trust fundraiser, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons Grand Charity for the donation, as we are every year.
“What’s really good about the donation is they don’t specify any particular project in which the money has to be spent.
“Because it isn’t restricted to one part of the hospice in particular, we can spread the money out and decide how to spend it.
“Every single year the support we receive from them is absolutely fantastic.”
Rebecca said it was a pleasure to host the cheque handover event and welcome representatives from other hospices in the area.
“It was fantastic to have the presentation here in Hartlepool,” she said.
Michael Graham, information officer for Durham Freemasons, said: “We raise money for a number of charities but every year the Freemasons Grand Charity supports hospices throughout England and Wales.
“Since 1984 £9.9m has been raised to support 239 hospices.
“Every year it’s a pleasure to hand the cash over to the various hospices.
“Representatives are always extremely grateful and it’s great to know we are making a difference.”