The Prince of Wales Lodge No. 951 is delighted to have contributed to the incredible work of the Pied Piper Appeal, Gloucestershire’s leading children’s charity. Founded in 1992, the Pied Piper Appeal has one clear mission: to make a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children in the county.
The charity achieves this through four key initiatives:
1. Funding the Children’s Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and other county hospitals.
2. Supporting all SEND schools in Gloucestershire with essential equipment and resources.
3. Providing Wish Holidays for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, creating lasting memories.
4. Improving experiences for children in mental health facilities across the county.
On Tuesday, 9th December 2025, we were honoured to welcome Julie Kent MBE to our Lodge. Julie visited to personally thank us for our donation of two large boxes of toys, which will bring joy to children at the Royal Gloucestershire Hospital.
About Julie Kent MBE
Julie Kent’s story is one of resilience and compassion. After tragically losing her first child to a brain tumour at the age of three, Julie and her husband founded the Emily Kent Charitable Trust, raising thousands of pounds for children with cancer in Gloucestershire. Their efforts included a £50,000 donation to the Pied Piper Appeal, and when the new Children’s Unit was built, the Oncology Ward was named the Emily Kent Unit, alongside a ward in Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Julie joined the Pied Piper Appeal in 2014 and became Vice Chair in 2015. Her leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, was remarkable. She spearheaded the charity’s 30th anniversary campaign, bringing in an extra £140,000 from local businesses, and last year alone raised £500,000 to fund a psychologist for children with cancer at the Emily Kent Unit.
Julie stepped down as Vice Chair in August 2024, but her commitment to Gloucestershire continues as she now serves as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 2025/26.
A Special Delivery to the Hospital
On the morning of the delivery, Worshipful Master Giles Russell, accompanied by his wife Jen, Bro Jason Brammer, and our Charity Steward Alan B Page, visited the Royal Gloucestershire Hospital to present the toys. In true festive spirit, they arrived dressed as Santa and his elves, bringing smiles and laughter to the children and staff alike.
It was a profound and moving experience for all involved—seeing the children’s faces light up and witnessing the incredible dedication of the nurses who care for these young patients every day. This visit truly embodied the values of charity and compassion that Freemasonry holds dear.
Special Thanks to Bro Jason Brammer
This initiative would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Bro Jason Brammer, who has been instrumental in ensuring that our Lodge supported the Pied Piper Appeal. His commitment to charitable giving reflects the very best of our Freemason values. Well done Sir!!
Our Contribution
The Prince of Wales Lodge is proud to support such a vital cause. These toys will help brighten the days of children undergoing treatment and remind them that their community cares deeply about their well-being.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julie Kent MBE the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire for her visit and for sharing her inspiring journey. Her dedication to improving the lives of children in Gloucestershire is truly extraordinary.
Well done Giles, Jen, Jason and Alan for representing our Lodge at Gloucester Hospital - SUPER PROUD!!!
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