A MASQUERADE Ball has enabled a Freemasonry group to help fund vital research into cancer.

Penarth-based Services Lodge 7139 donated £350 to Cancer Research Wales, during their open day at Velindre Hospital, on Saturday, January 25.

Current Worshipful Master Paul Haley and his wife Sharon, of Barry, undertook a tour of the research facilities and presented a cheque.

They also heard a series of presentations by leading scientists and physicians on the pioneering research being undertaken that is leading to individual treatments and new solutions.

Freemasonry is the second biggest charitable donor in the country – after the National Lottery.

The money was raised by Services Lodge at their Phantom’s Masquerade Ball Ladies Night in November and is part of the group’s ongoing fundraising programme by Penarth-based Services Lodge.

Services Lodge, a Masonic lodge established just after WW2 for former servicemen, is now open to non-military members and is very proud of its charitable aims through friendship.

Paul said: "We are delighted to present the cheque on behalf of Services Lodge and were so pleased to hear the developments that Cancer Research Wales is pioneering. It is inspiring to hear that all the money raised in Wales is spent in Wales and that this leading edge research work is then benefitting people all over the world. Sharon and I would like to thank everyone who supported the Masquerade Ball and donated so generously to enable this money to be raised."

This is the second cheque presented by Services Lodge to Cancer Research Wales over the last six months and represents £1,625 in total.

Services Lodge has also raised a similar sum of monies for Barry-based local charity Ty Hapus in Holton Road, Barry.