“I cannot put into words what it means to me to have achieved my goals and most of all, how grateful I am to the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys for allowing me to do so. “The Trust has always ensured that I received a superb education from my first days at the Royal Masonic School for Girls, as a very young elevenyear- old, to a twenty-eight year old woman having just graduated as a doctor. For this I am extremely thankful.” – Lauren, August 2008

Lauren came to the attention of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys (RMTGB) over 17 years ago. Her father, a Freemason, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was unable to work and properly support his family. When her case was accepted, Lauren joined the Royal Masonic School for Girls, where she excelled in her exams. Then, with continuing support, Lauren began a journey that would help her realise her dream of becoming a doctor. Initially she undertook a period of study in London and resided in the student accommodation at Ruspini House, which is available to any beneficiary of the Trust.
     On being accepted at medical school, the Trust was able to award grants to assist with the necessary equipment and provide a scholarship. For her Medical Elective period, Lauren travelled to Nepal and then to Kenya, where she had spent her formative years. The Trust was able to call on one of its subsidiary charities, the Scholarship Fund of the Public Schools’ Lodges, and a Travelling Scholarship was awarded.
     This ensured that Lauren’s trip was properly funded and ultimately successful. Lauren completed her medical training last July, graduating with honours, and commenced employment as a junior doctor in August.
     Support to any child accepted under the protection of the Trust will continue until they complete full-time education, or until the financial circumstances of their family improve sufficiently.
     Often a single grant can go on to become a commitment for a period that spans many years, as in Lauren’s case. The Trust has never failed in its responsibilities to the qualifying child of a Freemason.
     Lauren has now found her place in society and can make her own way in life, and the Trust continues to hear of and support many other cases of longterm need. The ability to provide this support is only made possible through the continuing generosity of Freemasons.
     If you would like to know more about the Trust’s work, or become a subscriber and help to support young people like Lauren, please contact us.

PRESIDENT URGES VIGILANCE

RMTGB President Mike Woodcock is urging all Brethren to be extremely vigilant in identifying children and families in distress.
     He says: “The worsening economic climate will inevitably result in some masonic families facing hardship. When children are in distress, the Trust may be able to help or in some cases help may be available from the other central masonic charities.
     So if you know of a case where death, desertion, illness, disability or financial need are affecting families, especially children, please let us know.”
     More about how we may be able to help can be found on our website or you can contact our Petitions team directly.

CONTACT DETAILS Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ Tel: 020 7405 2644 Fax: 020 7831 4094 info@rmtgb.org www.rmtgb.org