THE MEMBERS of the Bolton and Farnworth Freemasons Lodge have made a generous donation to a local charity, giving parents and families caring for poorly children a well deserved break.

Lagan’s Foundation, a Bolton-based charity, provides carers that offer parents ‘vital support and respite’. Many of the families struggle to care for their children with severe heart and feeding issues.

The Masons have now taken a huge step to make that battle much easier, donating a magnificent £7,600 to help the charity in recruiting and training more carers.

Carren Bell, Cheif Executive of Lagan’s Foundation said the charity is now expanding to meet their increasing need.

“Families and their children are reliant upon our expertise and the dedication of our carers,” she said.

“For us to expand and help those struggling to cope with severe illnesses to their children and the emotional trauma around that, we rely on the support of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organisations like the Freemasons.

“This donation will improve the lives of people at their most difficult time and we are immensely grateful for it.”

Lagans Foundation was founded by Carren Bell, from Bolton, and named after her baby daughter who passed away from a heart defect in 2011.

The charity now provides support and information to parents, as well as home respite for families with children under five who are diagnosed with congenital heart conditions or feeding difficulties.

Steve Clark, Charity Steward for the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire Freemasons said, “It is important to remember that every penny raised for good causes has come out of the pockets of our members.

“Becoming involved with charities such as Lagan’s Foundation allows us to raise awareness of the cause and set a good moral example to others to support charities.”

The Freemasons, based at the Masonic Hall on Silverwell Street, offer the donation after being announced as the second biggest charitable givers after the National Lottery.

They continue to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local charitable causes including mountain rescue, bikes for the emergency services and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

To learn more about Lagan’s Foundation and help fund their vital work, visit lagans.org.uk/fundraising.