Masonic boost for Rainbow Centre in Fareham

Rainbow Centre chief executive Lara Bull, back left, Mike Wilks and back right, his wife Kay, with staff and pupils

Based in Fareham, the charity runs services for children and adults with motor disabilities including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and people who have suffered strokes and head injuries.

The funding came from the Masonic Charitable Foundation which chose seven charities from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to receive grants of between £4,000 and £25,000, with The Rainbow Trust receiving the most.

Provincial grand master Mike Wilks said: ‘We are proud to support so many charities across Hampshire but in this special 300th anniversary year the Masonic Charitable Foundation wanted to involve the public as well as our local Freemasons in deciding which of the nominated charities should benefit most.’

The charity supports 49 children and 48 adults with ages ranging from six months to 70 years. Chief executive Lara Bull said: ‘With so many great charities in the region we were honoured just to have been chosen to go into the public vote.’