An award-winning mosque is hosting an awareness event to tackle some of the taboos around cancer.

Masjid E Sajedeen joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support last year to help challenge some of the misconceptions and highlight the importance of early intervention when someone receives a cancer diagnosis.

As part of the project the Plane Tree Road mosque, which recently won the MCB Community Kindness Award 2022, is hosting a series of awareness events, which will also help raise vital funds for the cancer charity.

The second Macmillan session will be held on Sunday, 16 January, for men only, following the success of a women-only event staged in October. Everyone is welcome to attend from the local community, and from any faith, from 1.45pm to 4.15pm.

Chairman of Masjid E Sajedeen, Councillor Salim Sidat, said: “Our first event was a great success with around 100 people attending. It was really positive, we had some fantastic feedback and we offered some vital advice and support.

"Hopefully it will make a start in breaking down some of the barriers and misconceptions around cancer and enable people to reach out and get the vital help that is available to them.

“These events aim to help us help the local community care for their loved ones. We are urging anyone who is worried about cancer, or maybe has a family member who has had a diagnosis, to please come down and speak to our healthcare professionals.

"They can find out how Macmillan can help and support them, and their family, when they receive a cancer diagnosis.”

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust staff, including a specialist consultant and nurse, will be on hand to showcase the emotional, financial and practical support that’s available locally.

Louise Osgood, Macmillan’s relationship fundraising manager for East Lancashire, added: “We are working alongside Masjid E Sajedeen because we know that being diagnosed with cancer is scary. But we are here to make sure people get the right help every step of the way, whether that’s concerns about physical issues, how you are feeling, money worries, or something different altogether.

"Wherever you are and whoever you are, Macmillan will do whatever it takes to make sure you have the support you need.”