More than 100 NHS workers from across Lancashire helped to raise £2,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation by taking part in a 'charity fast'.

The annual event is hosted by Professor Mohammed Munavvar, the Royal Preston Hospital’s world-renowned chest consultant who was in charge of the hospital’s Covid wards throughout the pandemic.

The fast was for just one day and ended with an iftar - the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan - in the hospital’s Charters Restaurant. 

Guests included Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s chief medical director Dr Gerry Skailes, its chief nursing officer Sarah Cullen, head of hospital charities Dan Hill plus representatives of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, who all also took part in the fast.

Professor Munavvar, said: “This event started off with about 20 attendees in the first year and, on this occasion, we had a record number of colleagues joining us, making it a massive success. 

“I am enormously grateful to each and everyone who attended on the day, including members of our executive committee, and also the entire organising team, led by our Imams, who invested so much time and effort to bring this to fruition. 

"I hope that the funds raised will make a significant contribution to the provision of high-quality care to our patients.” 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Dan Hill said: “The annual Rosemere Ramadan Challenge has almost quadrupled in participant numbers since its introduction in 2019. The fast was a personal opportunity for many, including myself, to experience the daily sacrifice of many of our colleagues during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The celebration meal is a wonderful occasion marking the breaking of the fast with colleagues from all cultures, which created an electric atmosphere in Charters.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank Prof Munavvar and everyone who contributed to the organisation of the event and those that took part and helped raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.”

Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The charity funds items beyond NHS means such as clinical research, staff training, innovative services and cutting edge equipment such as EBUS, a flexible endobronchial ultrasound system used to diagnose early lung cancer, which it bought for Professor’s Munavvar and his team.