In the quiet aftermath of profound loss, a father's simple story to his toddler has blossomed into a remarkable community project, offering solace to young children across Essex facing bereavement.
A Father's Promise in the Face of Loss
When Martin Rooke, a local resident and Essex Freemason, lost his wife Becky, his world narrowed to focus on one person: his two-year-old daughter, Rachael. Becky, a nurse, had lived with mitochondrial disease and severe seizures, and her passing left Martin as a grieving husband and a sole parent facing an immense challenge.
Explaining such a deep loss to a very young child was not easy. Martin chose a gentle, accessible narrative, telling Rachael a story about a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This was not a grand metaphor for others, but a tender tool to help his daughter feel safe and reassured during a time of confusion and absence.
From Personal Story to Community Action
When Martin shared his experience within his local Lodge, Henry de Grey, which meets at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre, the response was immediate and practical. Members focused on being present and offering tangible help, reassuring Martin that his family was not alone.
This support network grew through conversations with David Barton, founder of the local charity Get Started Art, which uses creative activity to support wellbeing. From these discussions emerged a powerful idea: to develop Martin's story into a children's colouring book. The vision was for a calm, accessible, and non-intrusive resource, giving parents and carers a practical way to help young children navigate bereavement.
Freemasons' Funding Brings Comfort to Thousands
The Essex Freemasons, upon hearing the story, responded with characteristic generosity and purpose. This initiative aligned naturally with their ongoing commitment to local hospice care and family support across the county. Their involvement includes a £10,000 Christmas donation to local hospices and volunteer efforts like Christmas tree collections to raise additional funds.
The Freemasons provided the crucial funding required to produce the book at scale. As a direct result, 5,000 copies are now being distributed across Essex to hospices, hospitals, funeral directors, and family support services, including St Luke’s Hospices and Havens Hospices.
"Stories like Martin’s remind us of the profound impact that compassion and fellowship can have," said Essex Freemason Colin Felton. "Through the quiet, practical commitment of our members, personal loss has met with shared hope, and grief has been transformed into comfort for families across Essex."
He added that the project is a powerful example of how the fraternity can make a tangible difference, expressing a sincere hope that more members will support the initiative so many more children and families can benefit.
