Fundraising
Going the Extra Mile: How Freemasons Across the UK Are Pushing Limits for Charity
When determination meets a meaningful cause, incredible things happen. Across the country, Freemasons are taking on formidable physical challenges, from multi-day ultramarathons and coastal cycle rides to iconic half-marathons, to raise vital funds and champion community causes supported by the Freemasons’ Charity.
Bringing the Province together: Cricket Fundraiser in York
Freemasons from Yorkshire, North and East Ridings took a unifying approach to their fundraising through hosting a cricket match in York. We were honoured to be invited to participate and took the opportunity to speak with Des McKenzie, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, who shared his thoughts on the game and the Yorkshire, North and East Ridings 2029 Festival Appeal.
400 Miles of Pure Grit: Guy Smith’s Epic Journey to London
For ultramarathon runner Guy Smith of Northumberland Freemasons, travelling between Newcastle and London was never going to involve a train or a car. Instead, he set out on foot to run the entire 400-mile distance in aid of the Northumberland 2031 Festival Appeal.
The route tested Guy’s endurance at every turn. He battled relentless downpours from day one and navigated violent thunderstorms across North Yorkshire. By the time he reached Lincolnshire, severe pain forced a hospital visit where doctors diagnosed a stress fracture in his leg. Refusing to concede, Guy adapted quickly. Local Lincolnshire Freemasons sourced a bicycle, allowing him to pedal without placing weight on the fractured leg.
Despite painful falls and mounting physical exhaustion, Guy powered through to arrive at Freemasons’ Hall in London right on schedule within his 10-day target. He was warmly greeted by the Pro Grand Master, the Freemasons’ Charity’s CEO Les Hutchinson, and his dedicated wife, who had supported him through every mile of the journey.
I’m humbled by the support from Freemasons across the country, who took time out of their busy lives to support me.
Pedalling for Purpose: The Durham Masonic Cycling Club
Cycling is as much about connection and camaraderie as it is about physical stamina. Since 2017, the Durham Masonic Cycling Club—spearheaded by Gavin Rowell and Steven Piercy—has united riders of all experience levels to support local causes.
This September, a peloton of 34 cyclists and a four-person support crew is tackling the scenic Coast and Castles route from Durham to Edinburgh in aid of the Durham 2032 Festival Appeal. The ride sets off from Heel & Toe, a charity supporting children with physical disabilities, includes a lunch stop with residents at Scarbrough Court Care Home, passes historic Bamburgh Castle, and concludes at the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Edinburgh.
The club boasts a strong track record of impactful community fundraising. Last year’s Humber-to-Durham cycle raised roughly £30,000 for Teddies for Loving Care (TLC), during which the team delivered TLC’s milestone four-millionth teddy bear to North Tees Hospital. As Gavin puts it, the club’s philosophy is simple: people ride at different paces, but no one is ever left behind.
Read about Durham Cycling Club here
Running for Recovery: Mike’s Mission for Men’s Mental Health
In the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics, men account for approximately 75 percent of all suicides, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men aged 35–50. Despite these sobering figures, stigma often prevents men from asking for help when they need it most.
Mike, a Freemason from North Wales, experienced these struggles firsthand. When life took a difficult turn, he reached out and accessed mental health support through the Freemasons’ Charity—a crucial step that helped him rebuild his wellbeing and regain stability.
Now, Mike is giving back. In aid of the North Wales 2028 Festival Appeal, he is taking on the Great North Run this September. As an experienced distance runner, Mike is pushing for a new personal best while using his platform to spark open conversations around mental health and encourage others to break the silence.
Taking part in the Great North Run is not only a personal challenge for me, but also an opportunity to contribute towards a charity whose compassion, generosity, and community spirit have such a meaningful impact.
Putting Compassion into Action
Whether it involves covering 400 gruelling miles on foot and two wheels, riding coast-to-coast as a collective team, or lacing up running shoes to break the stigma around mental health, these journeys highlight a shared dedication to positive change.
You can support individual fundraisers through Freemasonry Gives to boost contributions by 25 percent with Gift Aid via the Relief Chest scheme, or channel your own personal passions into a unique fundraising challenge.
