The Liverpool Group are supporting two main charities in 2025/2026, and the brethren from Merchants’ Lodge No 241 decided to raise funds for one of them, Prostate Cancer UK. Each year, prostate cancer will affect 50,000 men in the UK and most people will have a family member, friend or colleague who will need treatment, help and support.
UK’s biggest Santa Dash took place in Liverpool during December 2025, with over 11,000 participants. Amongst the Santas taking part were three brethren from Merchants’ Lodge the WM, Mogan Athmanathan, the SW Jun Ranario and the lodge secretary and Liverpool Group Vice Chairman Neil Francis.
This was their third Santa Dash and previously they have raised funds for local charities. Last year they ‘dashed’ for the Liverpool Blood Bike Appeal. Liverpool Freemasons, with additional help from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, were able to supply and equip a ‘Blood Bike’ for use within the Liverpool area.
It was a great festive atmosphere with family, friends and work colleagues taking part and at 9:30am the Santa Dash was started by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Barbara Murray. Eventually, Mogan, Jun and Neil passed the starting line and were cheered on by huge crowds lining the route around the city centre.
The ‘Three Amigos’ ran past an amazing collection of Santas including a Chinese dragon, a T-Rex and the Grinch. Finally, Mogan, Jun and Neil crossed the finish line outside the Town Hall and were presented with their medals. With the amazing generosity of family, friends and colleagues Mogan, Jun and Neil have raised over £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK. If you need support from Prostate Cancer UK, contact 0800 074 8383.
Report by Neil Francis.