Muslim students raise cash for Beckton hospice

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Monday, August 6, 2012
8:00 AM

A hospice that provides vital services for children and young people with life-limiting conditions has been presented with nearly £500 by students from a Muslim school.

Pupils of the Al-Mizan Primary School in Whitechapel took part in a range of activities including fundraising from friends, family and doing extra-chores around the house.

They visited the hospice on July 16 to see first-hand what their donations have helped achieve. It also helped them cement the hospice’s growing relationship with the East End’s Muslim community and in particular the East London Mosque.

Sheikh Abdul Qayum, the Imam of East London Mosque and a patron of Richard House, said: “As a patron of Richard House, I know of the incredible works that goes in to helping children who are terminally ill. It was then with great joy that I learned, students of Al-Mizan school raised money that will help Richard House.

This gesture of goodwill shall hopefully inspire others to give as well.”

The school’s headteacher, Musleh Faradhi, said: “Giving to charity is an integral part of being a Muslim. We want our students to learn this as a fundamental part of growing up, so they take care of others regardless of one’s background.

“I feel tremendously proud and happy that the students of Al-Mizan have raised money for Richard House Children’s Hospice.”

Richard House is London’s oldest children’s hospice. It opened in 2000 and it supports almost 300 families caring for children and young people with life-limiting, life-threatening and complex healthcare conditions.