On June 11 2011, Dhiren Patel with family and friends organised a fabulous Mehfil night in memory of Dhiren’s wife, Rashmi. In the last year of her life, Rashmi suffered from Lung Cancer and it was St Luke’s Hospice that helped her through the toughest moments at the end of her life. Dhiren says, ‘We wouldn’t have been able to look after her the way we did without St Luke’s. They were extremely helpful and accommodating of her needs.’
Rashmi was a librarian and whilst she was working, suddenly developed Lung cancer. Rashmi had a love for music and performing arts. It was because of her passion for music that Dhiren was inspired to hold a Mehfil night - a night of Indian music with traditional musical instruments and Indian musicians and singers.
Dhiren says, “I wanted to give something back to St Luke’s after everything that they did for Rashmi and I couldn’t think of anything better. We received a great deal of support from our close friends in our community, Mandhata Youth & Community Association. My friends, Lata and Bhanu, Bharat, Krishna and Suresh, Kaushik and Heena, helped us to sell tickets and made sure the evening went as smoothly as possible.’ There was also a raffle and friends that were close to Rashmi auctioned gifts. The stars of the night were indeed the well-known musicians, Mahesh and Nitu Gadvhi. Dhiren adds, ‘Rashmi and I had once gone to see Mahesh and Nitu live. Since then, I really wanted them to be part of the Mehfil Night as well’.
Altogether the Patel’s raised over £2000 on the night and we are extremely grateful for their support.
