The life of 16-year-old Rubie Tucker was forever changed last year when she suffered a devastating cardiac arrest in a park in Ashford, just four days after her birthday. A friend, who was with her at the time, immediately began performing CPR, an action that saved Rubie’s life.
Emergency services arrived quickly and transported Rubie to a London hospital. She was later moved to The Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where she remained for some time. Unfortunately, because her breathing had stopped, her brain was starved of oxygen for approximately 30 minutes. This resulted in severe brain injuries that left her unable to walk, talk, sit up, or eat and drink independently.
To support Rubie’s new needs, hospital occupational therapists determined that a home extension was necessary. This addition would include a wet room and specialist equipment like hoists to help with her care.
After learning about the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons’ Charity, Rubie’s mother, Kim, reached out for help. Her application prompted a coordinated effort by several Freemason lodges, including Stour, South Kent, St George Bahrain, Ashford, Essetesforde, East Kent Combined Services, and Loyalty Lodges. Together, they launched a match-funding initiative to support Rubie and her family.
This collective effort led to the charity providing a cheque for £3,500. On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Bob Hadlow, the Group 6 Charity Stewards Co-ordinator, visited Rubie’s home to present the cheque to her parents, Kim and Simon.