Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have chosen two charities to be supported from the proceeds of the 2012 Prestonian Lecture. One is a Masonic charity and the other a Scouting one. Both are worthy causes, much deserving of our support.

The Masonic charity is the Masonic Samaritan Fund, which provides grants for medical, dental and respite care and support to Freemasons, their wives, partners, widows and dependants, who have a diagnosed need, face a long wait for treatment on the National Health Service and who can not afford to fund it themselves without incurring financial hardship. Each year the Masonic Samaritan Fund makes grants of over £4,000,000 - more than £11,000 per day. So far no qualifying petitioner has been refused relief due to a lack of funds. However, the UK has an aging population. By 2025 it is expected that almost two million people will be over the age of 90 and one million will suffer from dementia. Coupled with cuts in public sector finances, the Masonic Samaritan Fund faces increasing calls upon its resources. Proceeds from the Prestonian Lecture will help the Masonic Samaritan Fund to continue its good work in looking after us and our families when we need it most. More information about the Masonic Samaritan Fund can be found at www.msfund.org.uk. The Fund’s registered charity number in England & Wales is 1130424.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.