Asian community raises £70,300 for St Luke’s Hospice in Harrow and Brent

Representatives from the Asian Foundation for Help, Lions Club of Kingsbury, and Pranasha visited St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton this week to present a cheque for £70,300, raised at a major community fundraiser earlier this year.

The donation will go directly towards providing specialist end-of-life care for people across Harrow and Brent. Trustees and staff welcomed the groups and expressed thanks for their continued support.

These organisations have been long-time supporters of St Luke’s, previously helping fund vital equipment such as syringe drivers, used daily to manage symptoms for patients both at the hospice and in their own homes.

The funds were raised at a two-part event held at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in South Harrow on 22 March. The daytime programme featured the Hanuman Chalisa, led by Sneha Makanji & Group, along with a Thal Aarti and Maha Prashad. In the evening, over 400 guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and a live Bollywood music performance by Dr. Supriya Joshi, joined by musicians from the UK and India—all in support of the hospice.

Lindsey Bennister, Chief Executive at St Luke’s Hospice, said:

“Raising over £70,000 in one day is an incredible achievement. We are so grateful to the Asian Foundation for Help, Lions Club of Kingsbury and Pranasha for their generosity and commitment. These funds are already being put to use – refurbishing our physiotherapy room and improving spaces where patients and families spend time.”

After the presentation, which included speeches from St Luke’s Patron Lord Popat and Chief Executive Lindsey Bennister, guests were given a tour of the hospice to see first-hand how their support is helping local people and to learn more about the services their fundraising is making possible.

Ketan Mehta, speaking on behalf of the Asian Foundation, said:

“It’s an honour to support St Luke’s. The event brought together our community to raise both vital funds and awareness for such an important cause. We’re proud of what we achieved and look forward to working together again.”

Founded in 1983, the Asian Foundation for Help supports a wide range of global causes, with a strong focus on education projects in India and the promotion of Gujarati cultural heritage. In the UK they have also been active in donating vital equipment at various NHS Hospitals.