In July 2023 W. Bro Alfie Buckland appealed for sponsorship for a charity cycle ride from Exeter to Newquay, led by Middlesex Lodges, on behalf of CHAPS, the prostate cancer testing and diagnosis charity, in support of Allan Pulford, who was recovering from prostate cancer having been diagnosed after a free PSA test at Harrow. The charity event was successfully completed over the days of the 29th and 30th August 2023, with a cheque for £3,500 presented to the Circle of Friendship Lodge No 7320 Relief Chest at a special festive board organised by Towan Lodge No 7864 in Newquay. The final sum raised was estimated to increase this amount substantially. The festive board attracted a number of distinguished brethren from across the various Provinces to honour the achievements of the riders and their support team, including VW Bro. Jim Mitchell, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex, RW Bro. David G. Maskell, Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall and VW Bro. David G. Leaity Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall.
Fast forward to February 2025 and the final tally is has now been reckoned. More recently, a sum of £4370 was presented to the CHAPS Charity by the Lodge with an additional sum of £500 being donated by Prince Michael of Kent Lodge No 9120. Within the remit of the Provincial Grand Charity Steward’s responsibilities this sum of £500 would be further enhanced by match funding from the MCF by the same amount. It must not be forgotten that many Lodges and Chapters have contributed smaller sums. There were individual efforts by other Brethren, particularly W. Bro Dean Mortimer, who having taken the PSA test at an event organised by the Province was advised to see his GP who then made arrangements for remedial action to be taken. If Dean had not had the test there may have been a different outcome. Through his sterling efforts he has raised copious amounts for the charity.
W Bro Alfie Buckland has stated that the total amount would be in excess of £14000 which has been presented to the Charity CHAPS. The Province’s involvement with the Charity has impacted on those Middlesex Brethren who were found to have all the ingredients for a diagnosis of prostate cancer. CHAPS is a Charity that provides PSA testing which is probably more essential than anything else as without the test no one would be aware of what was happening within their bodies.
An important feature of the Charity is that this is a “labour of love” working toward a national scheme where PSA testing for men becomes a norm, and males of a certain age would be invited to have checks on a regular basis nationwide just like breast cancer screening for females.
The Province of Middlesex has acquitted itself well in its support for CHAPS and the truth of the matter is that by participation in the screening programme lives have been saved.
See also: https://middlesexfreemasons.org.uk/the-secret-invader/
https://pglm.org.uk/bucklands-bikers/
https://pglm.org.uk/dumbs-the-word/
