Simon Simpson and his daughter Jenny and her son accompanied by Mark Iveson, Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire North and East Ridings, present a cheque for £2,000 to the Revd Simon Biddlestone in support of the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, York.
A remarkable personal health journey has helped Simon Simpson and his daughter Jenny raise an impressive £2,000 for two York youth organisations close to their family’s heart.
Simon, of Simpson’s Butchers at Badger Hill, York, decided to transform his health and went on to lose an extraordinary seven stone. Having achieved that milestone, he turned his attention to improving his fitness and began running alongside Jenny.
Their determination carried them all the way to the finish line of the York 10K, but their challenge soon became about far more than personal achievement.
Jenny’s son, Simon’s grandson, who has Autism, has found a particularly welcoming and supportive place at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in York, where the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association meet. Together with the Church, the two organisations provide friendship, encouragement and valuable opportunities for young people, while making an important contribution to the wider community.
Wanting to give something back, Simon sought support for a fundraising appeal. As a York Freemason, he reached out to fellow members, while also inviting customers and suppliers of Simpson’s Butchers to support the cause.
The response was tremendous. Through the generosity of everyone who contributed, Simon and Jenny raised £2,000 for the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association.
On Sunday 20th September 2026 the money was presented at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, where Simon and Jenny were joined by Mark Iveson, Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire North and East Ridings, in presenting the cheque to the Revd Simon Biddlestone.
Their achievement is a wonderful example of what can happen when personal determination, family commitment linked with Masonic community support come together. Simon’s journey began with a desire to improve his own health, but it has ultimately helped support a place that means so much to his grandson and many other young people in York.
