Muslims spread joy to hundreds of people across the UK
Photos with thanks to AMYA.

THE festive period is a time for joy, family and giving. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, not everyone has been able to enjoy this festive break as they have been able to in the past.

To bring joy during this challenging time, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) in collaboration with Marie Curie and Humanity First delivered hundreds of FREE gift baskets on Sunday to people nominated by friends, family and neighbours who were celebrating the festive period alone or going through a tough period.

AMYA is the oldest Muslim Youth Association in the UK with more than 10,000 members across the UK. Having launched the initiative last year, this year was even busier as they expanded their reach, delivering baskets to over 750 people across 40 major towns and cities throughout the UK. Requests were received for people who were struggling financially, going through a difficult illness, the elderly suffering from loneliness and many others.

Each gift basket was tailored for a child or an adult and contained a selection of items such as:- chocolates, festive eateries, scented candles, winter scarf, toys, stationary and a season greetings card.

The members of AMYA across the UK hand delivered the gift baskets to such members of society free of charge and witnessed 1st hand priceless joy on their faces. This has encouraged AMYA to strive more than before to bring joy to the vulnerable, sick, and elderly members of society.

AMYA UK Director for Charity and Welfare, Akbar Butt said:- "The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said that every act of goodness is a charity. As Muslims, we don't celebrate Christmas, yet we recognise the challenges many people face during this season. It's crucial to extend a helping hand to those in need and I believe this effort is a humble way to bring joy to those who truly deserve it amidst this festive time. Anyone can still make a donation towards the gift baskets on our website. Any surplus donations will go towards our amazing charity partners, Marie Curie and Humanity First. "

If you are unaware what AMYA is, it is an auxiliary body of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a religious and charitable Muslim organisation. With more than 9000 members spread across 150 chapters in the United Kingdom, AMYA frequently partakes in tree planting, supporting the homeless and foodbank donation sessions. In 2022, it raised over £500,000 pounds for various British charities, facilitated 1.6 million meals being given to the vulnerable, and donated over 10 tonnes of food to food banks across the UK. In addition, AMYA regularly runs initiatives throughout the year to support local community projects such as Warm Rooms, runs blood donation drives, and gets involved in Humanitarian relief efforts within the UK and abroad. The organisation focuses on helping young Muslims become better citizens and fulfil their religious obligations of serving God and humanity.

Strictly Come Dancing event raises over £45,000 for Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity

A huge Strictly Come Dancing style event has raised over £45,000 for Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity. The event was hosted by Hazel Langdon's Dance Unlimited at:- The Adelphi Hotel, on:- Saturday, 2 December 2023, with the aim of funding 2 new bereavement rooms at the Liverpool Hospital.

The black tie event was judged by:- Carol Parry, Carl Parris and Jason Parkinson and guests were treated to:- a 3 course meal, show dances, cabaret from Victoria Jones and of course the competition itself. After months of practise, 12 brave contestants each performed a dance routine with their professional dance partner in front of hundreds of people.

Competitors included:- Hospital staff, ex-Liverpool Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, Detective Clive Myerscough, Jake Archer from Max20, fundraiser Chris Clark, chef Dave Dobie and La Vida Liverpool magazine owner Justin Hopper. All amateur dancers wowed the judges and audience; with Liverpool Women's Hospital's Danielle Smith and professional Alex Wyatt ultimate winners.

Whilst all couples performed magnificently, Danielle and Alex won both the Judges Award and Audience Award for their captivating Jive rendition. Following the competition, there was a huge auction featuring prizes such as:- a Fred Olsen cruise; taking the event's fundraising total to over £45,000!

The money raised is helping fund 2 bereavement rooms at the Hospital; meaning that women who have tragically lost their babies at birth can have a dedicated room for their privacy and additional support. By having access to these rooms, they can grief in private without having to be around other women with newly born babies; a harrowing ordeal that 1 can't begin to imagine experiencing.

Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity's Kate Davis said:- "Not many people are aware that the Hospital is also a charity. We are recognised as one of the leading women's Hospitals, with many specialist areas, and it's thanks to the charity arm that we are able to go above and beyond in many areas. Events such as Strictly For Liverpool Women's Hospital are vital and I'd like to thank everyone for the amazing amount raised!"

Dance Unlimited's Hazel Langdon added:- "It was a thoroughly successful event for a wonderful cause and I am so proud of everyone involved. It's very daunting performing in front of hundreds of people at a prestigious event but all performers were so impressive! After months of hard work, it's brilliant to see it all come together and raise so much money."

The event was the second of its kind, following the successful inaugural event in 2022 that raised over £40,000. The success of this second event takes the total amount raised through the 2 events to over £85,000; and anyone interesting in supporting the charity can still donate via:- JustGiving.Com.

The Strictly For Liverpool Women's Hospital dancing event raised over £45,000 for Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity. The event was hosted by Hazel Langdon's Dance Unlimited at The Adelphi Hotel on Saturday 2nd December 2023, helping fund two new bereavement rooms at the Liverpool Hospital.

For more on Liverpool Women's Hospital and the amazing work they do every day of the year, please visit:- LiverpoolWomens.NHS.UK.