THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK-
The UK’s biggest children’s hospice held its first-ever Iftar event last Friday (21 March), bringing together families, colleagues, local Muslim leaders and businesses for an evening of unity and reflection.
The event was held at the charity’s Birmingham hospice in Selly Oak, where it has provided vital support to over 300 children with life limiting and life threatening conditions in the past year.
Members of the community came together to share food and companionship after a day of fasting for many. The gathering embraced the spirit of Iftar, offering an inclusive space for all attendees to experience and appreciate the significance of this special tradition.
Imam Mohammad Asad MBE from Birmingham Central Mosque, was among the distinguished guests and who hosted the event alongside Acorns Chief Executive, Trevor Johnson.
The Imam said: “Ramadan teaches us valuable lessons of empathy and compassion. Through fasting, we are encouraged to understand the suffering of the less fortunate and develop a sense of gratitude for their blessings.
“This experience fosters a stronger sense of community, as we come together to break our fasts and share meals with families and communities.
“Sharing these experiences at the first-ever Iftar event at Acorns Children’s Hospice was a great milestone achieved, and was a vision led by its Chief Executive, Trevor Johnson.
“I am grateful to all of the staff and families who supported and organised the beautiful Iftar event and made it a great success. I look forward in continuing to work with such an inspiring team to achieve further goals together.”
Honoured guests included Bukhtawar Mir, the Pakistan Consulate, and Mohammad Afzal, the Chair of Birmingham Central Mosque.
Acorns also welcomed members of the Birmingham business community, who showed their support and commitment to strengthening ties between the charity and local businesses. Among them was Mr Ishtiaq Latif, CEO of Latifs, who generously arranged and sponsored the food on the evening.
A special guest at the Iftar was Shabana Khan, whose daughter Haniya receives vital care at Acorns Birmingham. Haniya and her mum visit the hospice for symptom management and palliative day therapies, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
She said: “Acorns is a second home to me and my family. I don’t know what we’d do without them. They’re there for us, no matter what.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
By supporting Acorns Children’s Hospice this Ramadan, your charitable giving can provide vital comfort, hope and love to seriously ill children and their families. Donate today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/ramadan
