More than 200 people from across Burnley and Pendle came together on Tuesday 3rd March as Pendleside Hospice hosted a special community Iftar event in collaboration with Nelson and Colne College.
The evening, held at Nelson and Colne College brought members of the local community, college representatives and Pendleside staff together to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a show of solidarity and learning, many Pendleside staff chose to fast throughout the day so they could fully experience breaking their fast alongside members of the Muslim community that evening. For many, this provided a valuable opportunity to better understand the physical and spiritual significance of fasting during Ramadan.
During lunchtime, those who were fasting took part in a reflective walk along the canal, taking time to consider the importance of Ramadan and what fasting means to so many in our local community.
Later in the afternoon, staff were also invited to attend an educational session to learn more about Ramadan, what it represents, why Muslims fast and how the Hospice can continue to provide culturally sensitive care to all.
An Iftar is the evening meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan. Throughout the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as an act of faith, self-discipline and compassion for those less fortunate. Iftar is not just about sharing food, it is about gratitude and coming together.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Khalid Aslam, whose parents were supported by Pendleside’s Hospice at Home team, shared his family’s experience.
Khalid spoke movingly about the role the Hospice played during one of the most difficult times in his and his parents’ lives. He also shared that he attended Pendleside’s carers group, where he met others facing similar challenges, sharing stories, struggles and support in a safe and understanding space.
At the iftar event, Khalid said: “A message to my community would be, please be curious. The team at the Hospice are incredible at what they do and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their help. It was also amazing that they had a member of staff who could speak Punjabi, meaning my parents could easily communicate with them.”
Leah Hooper, Community Engagement Officer at Pendleside Hospice, said: “Thank you to Nelson and Colne College for collaborating with us on this special event. It was wonderful to have Khalid share his experience of the Hospice, and to hear from our local Imam Afaq Khan (Nelson Community Masjid) about what Ramadan is and why Muslims fast.
“Bringing people together in this way helps us learn from one another and strengthens the support we can offer our whole community.”
Pendleside Hospice would like to extend a special thank you to Nelson and Colne College for hosting the event, to Pendle Padel Club, Morrisons and Daisy Communications for sponsoring the evening, and to all of the Pendleside volunteers and staff who helped make the event so welcoming and meaningful.
The evening was a powerful reminder that Pendleside Hospice is here for everyone. Supporting families of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures when they need it most, and continuing to build connections across our community.