A group of more than 100 people have raised almost £2,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation by joining their colleague with a sponsored fast, for the fourth year in a row.
Around 120 colleagues have joined Professor Mohammed Munavvar, a world-renowned chest consultant at Royal Preston Hospital, in a sponsored Ramadan fast.
While Professor Munavvar fasts for the entire holy month of Ramadan, his colleagues took part for one day and celebrated together with an Iftar, a communal post-fast meal at The Charters Restaurant.
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The Professor launched the challenge four years ago, with only 20 attendees, as a platform for open dialogue and learning about different cultural practices and traditions of hospital staff and the hospital Trust’s Imams.
Professor Munavvar, who will continue to fast for Ramadan until the month of Ramadan ends on Tuesday, 9th April, said: “This event started off with about 20 attendees in the first year, and on this occasion, we had a record number of colleagues joining us, making it a massive success.
“I am enormously grateful to each and everyone who attended on the day, including members of our executive committee, and also the entire organising team, led by our Imams, who invested so much time and effort to bring this to fruition.
“I hope that the funds raised will make a significant contribution to the provision of high-quality care to our patients.”
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Guests included Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s chief medical director Dr Gerry Skailes, its chief nursing officer Sarah Cullen, head of hospital charities Dan Hill plus representatives of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, who all also took part in the fast.
Dan Hill said: “The annual Rosemere Ramadan Challenge has almost quadrupled in participant numbers since its introduction in 2019. The fast was a personal opportunity for many, including myself, to experience the daily sacrifice of many of our colleagues during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The celebration meal is a wonderful occasion marking the breaking of the fast with colleagues from all cultures, which created an electric atmosphere in Charters.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor Munavvar and everyone who contributed to the organisation of the event and those that took part and helped raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.”
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