A group of friends decided to bring the happy occasion of Ramadan and Eid to Royal Bolton Hospital by donating meals for all to enjoy earlier this week.

Knowing the struggles doctors and patients are going through due to staff shortages and strikes, a group of friends decided they wanted to bring an Iftar dinner to the hospital for all to enjoy.

Azher Latif, one of the organisers of the donated meals, said the group’s primary incentive was to spread the message of peace and he said it was a pleasure to see the smiles on patients' faces.

Azher said: “Being the last few days of Ramadan and Eid fast approaching, myself and some friends decided we’d bring this happy occasion to Royal Bolton Hospital.

“With recent staff shortages and strikes we imagined our event would be well received.

“On Tuesday, April 18, at our expense, we arranged an Iftar dinner for the patients, nurses, doctors and all available staff in co-operation with the catering dept at Bolton Royal.

“It was exceptionally well received, and it was amazing to see how many people were just delighted to see us and talk to us - the food of course being a bonus.

“Our primary incentive was to spread the message of peace which is at the core of the holy month of Ramadhan, while most Muslims are fasting in it just felt right to feed those who were hungry, poorly and in need of care and serving those who on a daily basis work long shifts to take care of and serve the people of Bolton. 

“In addition to this it was such a pleasure feeding patients, nurses, doctors and all staff at Bolton Royal, those fasting and those not fasting alike - to see smiles on patients faces getting hot pizza.  

“Doctors and nurses doing double shifts and fasting - I believe are doing an incredible job and felt like it was our duty to support our healthcare professionals as they do so much for us. 

“We had some local businesses participate and make donations.

“Sharaz from Chickys takeaway, Azher from A Z CARS, and Idris from Elite Rentals were amongst those who made fantastic contributions towards our event.”

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