Some 292 children and 19 teachers at the Aisha Mosque in Walsall held a non-uniform day and hosted a fundraiser with bakes and snacks including pizza, doughnuts and sweetcorn.
The proceeds were divided equally between Well Wishers, the charity of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, with each receiving £588.
Well Wishers’ sum will go to Goscote Hospice, which delivers high-quality medical, Nursing and therapy care for people living with cancer and other serious illnesses, including palliative care, as well as supporting their families and carers.
Children aged from five to 16 attend an after-school club in Islamic studies from Mondays to Thursdays from 5pm-7pm at the mosque.
Harram Ashfaq, 27, a teacher there, brought children Hafsa Naeem, aged 10, Aizah Ali, 11, and sisters Fatima Diallo, 13, and 11-year-old Maryam Diallo to the Fundraising Hub at Walsall Manor Hospital to present the cheque. There they met Humphrey, Well Wishers’ giant cuddly mascot bear.
“Everyone brought in something baked or homemade and sold it,” said Harram. “It was very exciting and the young ones especially were very motivated.
“We decided to donate to Well Wishers because of the work the hospice does to help make life better for those who might not have long left to live.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, said: “It was a delight to welcome Harram and the children and hear how they raised the money. Their contribution will be very gratefully received by Goscote Hospice.”
Sindy Dhallu, Professional Lead, Palliative and End of Life Care at Goscote Hospice, said: “Thank you very much for the kindness and generosity shown by the children and teachers and for thinking about our vulnerable patients and their carers. End of life can be a very emotional time.
“We will use this donation to ensure the wishes of the patients in our care are met. It’s lovely to hear that fun things such as baking and non-uniform day can lead to such a thoughtful donation.”
