Members of mosques across Bradford have been among the first supporters of a new initiative to fund care at the local Marie Curie Hospice.
The ‘Pay for a Day’ initiative encourages individuals and businesses to donate or fundraise £5,562 to cover the running costs of the hospice for an entire day of their choice. The donation supports people living with a terminal illness and their families by paying for nursing care and a host of day services for a 24-hour period.
Secretary at the West Bowling Islamic Society, Rifaqat Ali has worked tirelessly to rally support from his local mosque, Madni Masjid and other mosques across Bradford, to sponsor the hospice over the two annual Eid days in 2016.
Mr Ali has a personal connection to Marie Curie after his father was cared for at the Bradford hospice in 2009.
Having raised over £3,000 previously, Mr Ali and the group at Madni Masjid took on this more ambitious goal, calling on the community and visiting other mosques around Bradford to ask for donations. Money was also raised via donations from local businesses and a series of cycling challenges, including a London to Paris bike ride. Mr Ali is determind to raise money in the future and encourage others to donate.
Mr Ali said: “When my father stayed in the hospice he was well looked after and nothing was too much for the friendly, supportive and caring staff. The whole family was made very welcome, and we decided to help the hospice care for others. The hospice provides a fantastic service to the community.”
Elaine Hill, Manager at the Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford said: “We are extremely grateful for the efforts of Mr Ali, the Madni Masjid and members of the local community who have made this possible – it really is an incredible achievement. We hope that other individuals and businesses will be inspired to pay for a day of care in our hospice and pick a day special to them. Whether it’s an anniversary or other significant date that you choose, they’ll be making a real difference to people with terminal illnesses and their families.”
For more information please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/payforadaybradford
