Thames Hospice has received £60,000 in donations from Freemasons based in Thames Valley.

The Provincial Grand Lodges of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, subdivisions of the Grand Lodge of England, worked together to raise money through their registered charities.

The Berkshire Masonic Charity and The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund alongside the Masonic Charitable Foundation (the MCF) collaborated for the first time to support one organisation.

Anthony Howlett-Bolton, the leader of Berkshire Freemasons said: “Working together with our fellow freemasons in Buckinghamshire and the MCF has allowed us to make a significant contribution to Thames Hospice to help them in the wonderful work they are doing to help families across our counties.”

The hospice, in Hatch Lane, Windsor, will use the donation to help towards building two dedicated rooms in the new £22 million hospice currently under construction.

These will be quiet areas for reflection and remembering loved ones as well as offering help and advice.

Debbie Raven, Chief Executive Thames Hospice said: “I cannot thank the Freemasons enough for their generous support towards our new hospice.

“This donation comes on top of several others from their Charitable Funds and the incredible support they have given us over many years.

“It will make a significant difference to our patients and their families.”

Thames Hospice first opened in Windsor in 1987 but struggled to keep up with the increasing number of people who need their care and services.

In 2017 the Hospice was granted planning permission to build a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, increasing inpatient beds from 17 to 28, as well as providing a dedicated space for therapeutic and social activities to support patients.

The new hospice will open in summer 2020.

John Clark, the leader of Buckinghamshire Freemasons said: “The Freemasons of Buckinghamshire are delighted to be part of this joint initiative supporting the essential work performed by Thames Hospice.

“We look forward to establishing a long term and fruitful relationship with them.”