Page 17 - Essex Mason (Issue 92)

Men’s Health Day By Chris Lee

Provincial Almoners Team

ith eighteen months
Wof pushbacks due to
the pandemic, a determined
Essex Freemasons Provincial
Almoner’s Team partnered
with CHAPS, the Men’s Health
Charity, and the NHS to hold
the latest of their health
check days. These events
have become popular among
Freemasons with their families
and friends. A range of screens
and tests are offered, free of
charge, to determine overall
personal health status and give
help in seeking early treatment
should any anomalies be found.

On Wednesday 27th October 2021 at Essex County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford over 300 individual PSA (Prostate
Specific Antigen) tests were undertaken, 200 combined tests for heart, skin cancer and overall health, plus more than 400
attendees, with over 20% who were not Freemasons, were able to learn about a range of associated issues with health
professionals on hand to assist.
Paul Tarrant, the Provincial Grand Master (PGM) of Essex Freemasons, was one of the first to register for the event. On
behalf of everyone who attended, Paul conveyed his appreciation to the Provincial Almoner’s Team for all their hard work
in making sure the event took place and was so successful.
The PGM pointed out “The value of the health checks cannot be under-estimated. The work undertaken by
all involved on these important days enables everyone who attends an opportunity to catch any problems
early, seek treatment and move on in a positive direction. There is no doubt that these events help ensure
that one year ahead some of those who attend will be in a far healthier state than had they not attended. I
would urge everyone to go along whenever the opportunity is provided.”

Gary Hostler, the Provincial Grand Almoner, added:
“It’s been a long time coming but I am delighted
that the event has gone so well. The success of the
day is inspiring and I should like to pay tribute to
my Team and especially those who have worked so
hard in the build-up and on the day. We must also
thank everyone at CHAPS and all the healthcare
professionals who partnered with us for their
valuable input.”
The Essex Men’s Health Day 2021 was sponsored
by the Essex Freemasons Community Fund with
the cost of every PSA test at approximately £20
each being covered by the fund. The Freemasons
gave over £51 million in 2020 for charitable and
community work and do more than 18 million
hours of volunteering each year. Other similar
events are being considered for those who were
unable to attend on the day and the Provincial
Almoner’s Team will be in touch with further details
when they are available.

Provincial Grand Almoner

W.Bro Gary Hostler Gary.Hostler@EssexPGL.org.uk
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