A WHITECROSS charity has received a donation of more than £60,000 from the freemasons.

Papyrus, which is based on Milner Street and works to prevent suicide in young people, has received a £65,342 grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation on behalf of the Freemasons of West Lancashire.

West Lancashire and Cheshire freemason leaders Tony Harrison and Stephen Blank visited the charity’s base to celebrate the donation.

Ged Flynn, Papyrus chief executive, said: “We believe the many young suicides are preventable, and also that no young person should suffer alone with thoughts or feelings of hopelessness – we also believe no one should have to go through the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide.

“We believe that everyone can play a role in preventing young suicide.”

The grant will enable an additional adviser to work on the charity’s HOPELINEUK helpline, which provides confidential support and advice and is available by calling 0800 0684141.