Over 120 colleagues from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust took part in the annual ‘Fast for a Day’ challenge earlier this week, which was set up to provide support and encouragement to Muslim colleagues who are observing the month of Ramadan.
The challenge, which is in its fourth year of running, asks colleagues to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation by abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Following the fast, a celebratory event was held in Charters Restaurant at Royal Preston Hospital, hosted by Professor Munavvar, Consultant Chest Physician and Interventional Pulmonologist at the Trust, where colleagues could enjoy a meal together and learn more about Ramadan and the traditions it involves.
Trust Imam, Naeem Toorawa, began the event with a Quranic recitation focussing on God’s creation, while Imam Khalid Ibrahim emphasised the value of unity among the attendees, representing diverse backgrounds within the Trust.
The event was a huge success, with over 120 colleagues joining together to discuss different traditions, cultures, and professions. Food for the celebration was donated, giving the opportunity to try a variety of cuisines from all over the world.
Several Executive colleagues from the Trust were in attendance, including Dr Geraldine Skailes, Medical Director, and Sarah Cullen, Chief Nursing Officer. Members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were also present at the celebratory event and took part in the challenge of raising funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
Professor Munavvar was delighted with the turnout of the event. He 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 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”.
Daniel Hill, Head of Hospital Charities, added: “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.”
