A cruise themed charity social event on board the ‘HMS Underley’ was hosted by the brethren of Underley Lodge No 1074, at the Masonic Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale earlier this month.
Such charity themed nights, take it in turn, to call at various exotic ports to sample that country’s cuisine. This time they dropped anchor at the Port of Istanbul to try the gastronomic delights of Turkey, including Turkish wine and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The principal invited guests at the Captains Table that evening were from Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal, Nick Hampton Associate Specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, in company with two Maxillofacial Nurses, Mrs. Tracy Richardson and Mrs. Heather Kettleborough.
During the course of evening’s festivities the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Malcolm Dewhurst presented a charitable donation to Nick Hampton for £1000 on behalf of the members of Underley Lodge.
The brethren of the Lodge had learned that staff at the Maxillofacial Unit in Westmorland General Hospital were fundraising, seeking to purchase a state-of-the-art Cone Beam CT scanner. This important piece of equipment would be of great benefit to the local community and patients within the catchment area of the Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. However, such technology comes at a price, which was recognised by the brethren of Underley Lodge, who between them raised £1000 towards the cost of that machine.
Nick Hampton told the gathering: “We are so pleased to have received the invite to be amongst you tonight and especially to have received this magnificent cheque for £1000.
“Your generous donation takes our current total to £19,500. As you know, we are hoping to acquire a Cone Beam CT scanner for the head and neck team at Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. Maxillofacial surgery provides a comprehensive service at Westmorland General Hospital, Furness and Lancaster.
“The scanner is a state-of-the-art machine that gives a 3D image of anatomy allowing for much-improved planning of treatment for trauma as well as elective cases. It will be in the unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and allow for much quicker, more detailed imaging and lessen the need for multiple scans. We have been quoted £80,000 for the machine and therefore will need further fundraising events or assistance from the Trust to help us afford a scanner.
“We have had a fabulous time onboard the ‘HMS Underley’. Thank you all for your kind generosity and for making us feel so welcome.”
