In January, W. Bro Philip Turner suffered a major fracture to his ankle on his way to a meeting of Connaught Freemasons Lodge. His injury proved to be so severe that he was flown direct to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). Such was Philip’s injury that the doctor on board the helicopter operated during the flight and saved his foot from being amputated. He later spent six hours in theatre having the bones reassembled.

A good Samaritan, Andrew Emmett, had seen Philip’s plight and immediately offered assistance. He stayed with him, even though the paramedics had arrived on scene, until he saw Philip safely in the ambulance, off to meet the helicopter that had landed on the nearby cricket pitch.

Philip spent three weeks in Southmead Hospital before being discharged home. But shortly after, he had to return to the hospital with a suspected infection that was successfully treated with antibiotics. He is now making a steady recovery at home supervised by his local GP and cared for by his wife Mary.

On Wednesday 16th March, the Lodge hosted Andrew Emmett and his partner Beth Selway, presenting them both with gifts in appreciation of the care shown to Philip.

And, in recognition of the timely treatment by DSAA, Connaught Lodge made a £1,000 donation that Philip and Mary had the pleasure of personally presenting to DSAA Volunteer Ken Hutton.

Pictured are: Worshipful Master Neil Arthur, DSAA Volunteer Ken Hutton, Philip and Mary Turner, Andrew Emmett and Beth Selway