The great and the good from across Lancashire gathered at Derian House Children’s Hospice last night (Thursday, 13 March) for the charity’s first-ever Iftar fast-breaking event.
Leaders including Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain; Chief Executive of Burnley Council Lukman Patel; and comedian Tez Ilyas, were welcomed to the hospice in Chorley to break their fast. The event was hosted by Derian House Trustee Arshad Rafiq, whose niece Zoya was cared for at the hospice during the last few weeks of her life. He is now a passionate advocate for the hospice.
Thursday’s event brought together families, hospice staff, and local community and business leaders to share a special evening of prayer, reflection, and food at the hospice. Guests broke their fast with water and dates, before tucking into delicious food provided by Blackburn’s MyLahore.
Guests also heard from Imam Ibrahim Hussein, chairman of the Southport mosque targeted in last year’s riots. And prayers were led by Imam Faszal Hassan, Muslim Chaplain at Blackburn Royal Hospital.
Imam Fazal, said: “I can see an analogy between Ramadan and Derian House. The month of Ramadan is a month of mercy, of giving, of compassion, care, love and joy. And when I came here to see what Derian House does, I saw that they give love, they give care and compassion.”
After tours of the hospice, Derian House staff Emma Jacovelli, Fundraising Manager, and Fazila Vadia, Family Counsellor, told the crowd about the hospice and the vital care it provides for children whose lives are too short, helping them to make the most of every moment.
The charity is appealing for help from the Muslim community this Ramadan, asking people to consider donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness to help local families in need.
Poignant real-life stories of families Derian House cares for are being shared across its social media platforms and displayed on bus shelter adverts across Blackburn to raise awareness of the charity’s essential services during the spiritual month of Ramadan.
Adnan Hussain, MP for Blackburn, said: “As a Member of Parliament, it’s a sad reality that we find ourselves fundraising for vital facilities like these. We shouldn’t have to, but as a community, we must come together and support them. In this month of Ramadan, a time when charity is at the forefront of our hearts, we must remember that charity starts at home.
“This isn’t just charity. Don’t think of this as giving to a needy cause. Think of it as an investment in us, in our communities, and in our futures. We never know when we might need a centre like Derian House. Let’s start giving that charity where it can make a direct impact – right here, at home.”
Blackburn comedian Tez Ilyas, who lives in Lammack, Blackburn, attended with his wife Shy. He said: “What a humbling evening. We had a chance to take a look around the hospice and I am in awe of everything they do there. We were so moved when we saw the rooms where children are laid to rest to give their families more time with them. A huge thank you to everyone at Derian House for having us.”
Arshad Rafiq, Derian House Trustee, said: “We had an incredible evening at our first-ever Iftar event. It was perfect time to reflect on the shared values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that are at the heart of Ramadan, and to remind everyone of the crucial role that Derian House plays in the lives of local children and families. We hope that people will go home and tell their families, their neighbours, and their colleagues, that there is an absolutely amazing charity on their doorstep.
“My niece Zoya was cared for at the hospice and she spent the last few weeks of her beautiful life here. The care, compassion and support that she received along with the family will stay with us forever.
“As we share these real-life stories, we hope to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful for the support of the Muslim community and all those who choose to stand with us during this special time of year.”
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 seriously ill babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West helping them to make the most of every moment.
Care is free for families, but it costs £6 million every single year to run services, with only a small amount of this coming from NHS funding.
