Our 12 Days of Christmas campaign, highlighting the work of the East Lancashire Hospice, examines how volunteers play an important role and speaks to one of the hospice’s leading advocates about his personal connection
They say that time is the most precious gift ever.
The East Lancashire Hospice has over 300 volunteers giving this gift every day, every week, every month and every year throughout hospice services including the clinic, catering, gardens, maintenance shops and fundraising.
Suleman Khonat, longtime volunteer and now, along with Darwen, Deputy Mayor of Blackburn, tells us why he was involved, his concerns about the lack of awareness of service in the Asian community and how he has helped his own family.
Suleman said, “I have been with the East Lancashire Hospice for over 10 years.
“My earliest memory was when I saw an appeal for donations to renew the roof of the inpatient department. I managed to get in touch with a number of companies and, together with the hospice, raised enough money to complete the necessary work. At that time I did not know what the hospice was and what services it was doing.
“The more I got involved and visited the hospice, the more I learned what services they had to offer and I was able to convince myself of the great work of all employees. I have also learned that they rely heavily on generous donations from the public to ensure they can continue to provide help and care when and where it is needed.
“I was also concerned about the lack of awareness within the Asian community and was determined to let people know by speaking at community meetings, mosques and local schools, and arranging visits to the hospice where people could see for themselves what it does.
“I never thought we would need this as a family, but unfortunately my beloved wife Rabia had a cancer recurrence and needed care for the end of the life. Rabia was admitted to the hospital and unfortunately died there. I can say without a doubt that the staff and volunteers treated my beloved woman with dignity and were amazing every moment she was there.
“The whole family and visitors were treated with the utmost respect and just couldn’t do enough for us. We are eternally grateful to all of them.
“I am determined to continue to raise awareness because my family and I know how much they are doing and we want to continue to raise much-needed funds.”
You will see Suleman, family and friends at The Mall Blackburn with their usual collection of buckets on Christmas Eve.
To help Suleman collect, fundraise, volunteer, or donate to Suleman, visit www.eastlancshospice.org.uk/christmas or call our fundraising team on 01254 287014.
