Donation to improve patient mobility

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Nene and Welland Oddfellows has provided The Deeping Men’s Group with a £2,500 funding boost to help improve the mobility of patients of the Deepings Practice.

The friendship group, which has over 450 mostly older and retired local members, presented a cheque to the charity during its regular ‘Cold Pudding Club’ at its hall on Church Street in Market Deeping on Tuesday 7 May.

Chris Briance (right) from Nene and Wellands Oddfellows presenting a cheque to The Deeping Men’s Group.

The money was raised through various activities since last February, including raffles, a table top sale and games held at local carnivals.

It's a great initiative Chris Briance

Each year, the Chairman of Nene and Welland Oddfellows chooses the charity they want to fundraise for. Chris Briance, now the outgoing Chairman, said: “I chose the Deeping Men’s Group because of the brilliant work they do in supplying wheelchairs, electric scooters and other mobility aids for patients of the Deepings Practice.

"It’s a great initiative, making sure those who need it can retain their independence.”

Brian Thornthwaite, Chairman of Deeping Men’s Group, said: “We are so grateful to receive this £2,500 donation from the Nene and Welland Oddfellows. The money will go towards replacing a number of our older wheelchairs which were reaching the end of their usefulness. However we have passed these older wheelchairs on to another charity who will refurbish them and send them to Ukraine.”

More on the Oddfellows

Nene and Welland Oddfellows is one of 99 nationwide branches that make up the Oddfellows friendly society, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the UK. It aims to improve people’s lives through friendship and support.

As well as its fundraising initiatives, Nene and Welland Oddfellows hosts a range of affordable and accessible events in and around the area which are open to all, such as interesting talks, craft clubs, coffee mornings and games such a bingo.

Oddfellows members can also access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club, as well as take up opportunities to volunteer.

Branch Secretary of Nene and Welland Oddfellows, Karen Earth, said: “There’s something for everyone here and we’re a really friendly bunch.

“Anyone interested in finding out more about us should get in touch with me or come down to one of our brilliant events. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome.”

Karen can be contacted via email on karen.earth@oddfellows.co.uk or by calling 01778 342 006.

If you live elsewhere in the UK and are interested in discovering your local Oddfellows branch you can use our Branch Finder, while our Events Finder will show you a list of events that are coming up near you.

Contact us to find out more or to request a free local information pack.