Freemason completes 2,000km fundraiser

A Freemason from Lincoln has clocked up over 2,000km in ten months after he set himself a walking challenge to raise money for our charity in recognition for the support we have given to a fellow lodge member.

Nigel began his challenge in March last year and passed his 2,000km target on 12 January raising over £1,000.

Travelling around the United Kingdom in his motorhome, with his trusty dog Reuben by his side, Nigel continued to walk until 31 January even though he had already reached his target.

His final total was 2,057km. He walked for 410 hours and tallied an incredible 2,780,000 steps!

His walking took him to some stunning locations including Bernard Castle, North Berwick, the Derbyshire Dales, the Shropshire Hills and the Northumberland coast.

Nigel held the position of Master of Lindum Lodge for the past year and has recently handed over the reins. He said:

“One of the biggest privileges of holding the role is that you’re able to select the beneficiary which is supported for the year. I chose Blind Veterans UK as it’s a charity close to me.

“My father served in the British Army for 25 years and I therefore have an affinity to the military even though I didn’t serve myself.

“I was further inspired to raise money for the charity after I met George, a fellow lodge member and blind veteran, who told me about the support he had received from Blind Veterans UK."

“George served in the British Army as a medic and is a very resilient man. He lost his dear wife, Irene, three and a half years ago after 66 years of marriage and has no other family so is very much alone.

“I wanted to raise money to enable Blind Veterans UK to keep supporting men and women like George. My walking challenge has enabled me to not just do that but to also mark my year as Master of the lodge.

“As Freemasons our goal is to be happy and spread happiness and I hope I have done that.”

As well as Nigel’s personal walking challenge which has raised £1,060, we have also benefited from the lodge’s fundraising throughout the year, including a BBQ and an autumn ball, which saw us presented with a further cheque for £1,175.