Hospice hosts Ramadan feast for local Muslims

ST Clare Hospice welcomed members of the Harlow Islamic Centre to break their Ramadan fast at the Hastingwood-based Hospice on Monday 27th May.

Community members arrived at the Hospice at 8pm and were welcomed by Hospice staff, who conducted tours around the Hospice explaining the work of the hospice and the care available to local people.

After the tours, Mr Abdur Rehman gave an explanatory talk about why and how Muslims observe Ramadan. Sarah Thompson, the Chief Executive of St Clare Hospice, then gave an introductory welcome, thanking all for coming to the Hospice.

Following the talks, dates and juice were served during the call to prayer. Prayers took place in the Hospice’s Day Therapy lounge and the community members followed these with their iftar – the fast-breaking meal eaten after sunset.

Hospice Doctors Abbas and Khan provided a selection of food for the 33 members of the local Islamic community to eat. The iftar meal consisted of chicken biryani, samosas and pakoras, along with cakes which had been freshly baked by Compassionate Neighbours Manager Stacey Towler.

Dr Qamar Abbas, Medical Director at St Clare Hospice, said about the event: “It was fantastic to welcome so many people from our local community to the Hospice, to join us for iftar and find out more about the expert, compassionate care we offer to those living in our local community.”

Mr Abdul Khaliq, Secretary of the Harlow Islamic Centre, then presented Sarah Thompson with a cheque for more than £200, comprised of donations collected by the local mosque over the previous weeks, and offered to support the Hospice on an ongoing basis.

He also informed the audience of the opportunity to support Dr Qamar Abbas’ forthcoming trek in Cambodia, where he will undertake the challenge to trek 95km over five days through hills, valleys and forests, ascending to the upper plain of Kulen Mountain.

Neela Hibbert, from the Harlow Ethnic Minority Umbrella, worked with St Clare Hospice to arrange the visit. Neela commented: “It’s great that St Clare Hospice is engaging with faith groups, who were able to attend the Hospice and familiarise themselves with its work. Thank you for the invitation.”

To contribute to Dr Qamar Abbas’ fundraising efforts as he takes on a feat of endurance, trekking in Cambodia, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/QamarAbbas1