PATIENTS who have undergone treatment for bowel cancer can sit more comfortably thanks to a £900 donation from a local freemasons’ organisation.

The money, donated by West Wales Masons, has bought medical cushions for to help patients who have had colorectal surgery with their recovery.

Milford Haven’s Old Priory Lodge group has also donated £200 to support the Pembrokeshire Stoma Association, which is based in Haverfordwest.

Lodge member Roy Whitfield set up the association with friend Peter Lewis after undergoing treatment for bowel cancer.

The group provides support, reassurance and practical information to anyone who has or is about to have a stoma.

“Some people find it very difficult to come to terms with having a stoma, so the association gives them a way to talk to other people about it,” said Mr Whitfield, 75.

“Everyone is different; some men only want to talk to a man, and some women only feel comfortable talking to a woman, so that’s what we can help with.”

Now fully recovered, and having had his stoma reversed, Mr Whitfield said the donations were a way to say thank you to hospital staff for the “wonderful” care they gave him.

“I was very fortunate that it was picked up very quickly,” he said.

Anyone wanting more information on stomas can attend the next group meeting on Tuesday, October 14, at Haverfordwest Cricket Club, from 10am until 4pm, where will also be a special speaker on the subject.

Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England is the UK's largest, secular fraternal and charitable organisation.

It has over 300,000 members working in nearly 8,000 lodges throughout England and Wales and 30,000 more members overseas.