Essex Freemasons visit Essex Air Ambulance with a sky-high donation
Rainham Lodge members enjoy escorted tour of the Earls Colne airbase and present a generous donation of £4,750
On 22nd February, members of Rainham Lodge No. 3079 which meets at the Orsett Masonic Hall, accompanied by several wives and friends, gathered at the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), Visitors Centre at the Earls Colne airbase, near Colchester to deliver a sizeable donation.
They were warmly welcomed by Clair Mitchell, Senior Fundraising Coordinator, and Peter Hennesey, an EHAAT volunteer and tour guide. The highlight of the day was the presentation of a generous £4,750 cheque, raised by member Anil Shastri's year as Master of the Lodge.
Anil and his wife, Helen, dedicated the year to supporting EHAAT as their main charity, while also raising funds for other local causes. Their efforts included raffles, auction, an afternoon tea, Karaoke singing and curry night, as well as collection cans and donation buckets. The couple extends heartfelt thanks to the Rainham Brethren, friends, and families whose generosity made this achievement possible.
This significant donation will help EHAAT’s specialist pre-hospital teams continue delivering life-saving care across the region. Operating 24/7, EHAAT relies on charitable donations, with limited government support and no National Lottery funding. Their highly skilled crews bring critical care directly to patients, using helicopters by day and rapid response vehicles at night. Their latest AW169 helicopter, registration code G-EHAT, can reach even the furthest parts of Essex within 15 minutes.
The Rainham Lodge members also took the opportunity to tour the Visitors Centre—a highly recommended experience for anyone wishing to learn more about EHAAT’s vital work.
This isn’t the first time in Anil’s year as Master that the brethren have rallied for good causes. Their Boys’ Breakfast Club (BBC) has been a regular gathering to deliver by hand funds raised by the Lodge, consistently delivering support to those in need.
A huge well done to Anil, Rainham Lodge and congratulations to EHAAT for their ongoing dedication to saving lives!
Photo
Top: Anil and members presenting cheque to some of the EHAAT team
Bottom: Visit enjoyed with family fun
