Muslims from across the region have been thanked for raising more than £20,874 during Ramadan appeals to help the East Lancashire Hospice.

During the holy month, mosques host appeals daily to help raise funds for good causes.

Ramadan this year took place in April and the East Lancashire Hospice was one of those appeals invited to raise funds at mosques and other community events.

These were spearheaded by Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Suleman Khonat who has been a keen supporter of the charity for many years.

At a special event at the Hospice, this weekend, volunteers and mosque representatives were invited to take a tour of the building as well as hear about how the money would be spent.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Leanne Green, head of fundraising and marketing, said: “We are incredibly grateful that such a staggering amount of over £20,000 was raised during Ramadan by our community, but also that the event succeeded in raising awareness of the services available.

“The event highlighted that East Lancashire Hospice needs £4 million each year to maintain our services - volunteers are a vital part of that support so we were pleased that so many guests were asking how they could volunteer.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Toni Ruddy a clinical nurse who is Team Leader of Supportive Care (Hospice at Home) and Ann Dobson, a volunteer, spoke to the audience about the role the Hospice plays in supporting people in the community.

Gill Leacy, Trustee of the charity also attended the event.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Speaking on the day, Cllr Khonat said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had received when he approached the mosques.

Addressing the mosque representatives he said: “I know during Ramadan there are so many charities that you could support.

"Especially over the last two years the pressure is on you with people (fundraisers) travelling hundreds of miles to be in Blackburn and Lancashire.

“When we make an announcement during Ramadan we only have two minutes before the fast opens. But that small amount of time can make a difference. Trust me that collection goes a long long way when you see people here who are not well.

“We are really grateful. Your support is so vital to keep the services going here.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Maulana Rafiq Sufi led short prayers to conclude the event and also thanked all members of the community who had donated to towards the appeals.

Star Tissue UK were thanked for helping to fund the meals and drinks served to guests on the day.