Kim Tucker/Rubie Boyton Appeal
How a life can change in a second
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.
A Community Rallies to Help
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.
A New Chapter for Rubie
When Bob presented the cheque, construction on the extension was well underway, with the external and internal walls already in place. Kim and Simon were deeply moved by the donation and expressed their gratitude, explaining that the money would make a huge difference in their lives.
The funds will be used to purchase a specialist stretcher bed for the wet room, which will allow them to wash and change Rubie more easily.
The family is incredibly grateful for the support from the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons’ Charity and the local lodges, as this assistance marks a new chapter in Rubie’s care, giving her a better quality of life and providing her parents with much-needed support.
