Community celebration raises around £70,000 for St Luke’s Hospice

Asian Foundation for Help, Lions Club of Kingsbury, and Pranasha have raised around £70,000 for St Luke’s Hospice, thanks to the generosity and dedication of the Asian Community of North London.

Two events, one religious and the other cultural, took place at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in South Harrow on Saturday, 22 March, and brought together members of the community for a meaningful day of spiritual observance and cultural celebration – all in support of hospice care for people in Harrow and Brent.

The day programme began with the Hanuman Chalisa, led by Sneha Makanji & Group, followed by a Thal Aarti and Maha Prashad. Light refreshments were served in the afternoon, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. The evening segment featured “An Evening of Nostalgic Journey through Bollywood” a live music performance by renowned Mumbai singer Dr. Supriya Joshi, who was accompanied by talented musicians from both the UK and India. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner before the concert, which continued late into the evening.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to St Luke’s Hospice, which provides specialist palliative and end of life care to local people and their families.

Meg Lustman, Chair of the Board of the Trustees at St Luke’s Hospice, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Asian Foundation for Help, the Lions Club of Kingsbury, and Pranasha for organising such an inspiring and successful event. Raising around £70,000 in one day is a remarkable achievement and reflects the strength of community spirit and generosity. These funds will help us continue to provide compassionate care to people in Harrow and Brent who need us most.”

The Asian Foundation for Help has supported St Luke’s Hospice for many years, providing funding towards essential equipment and core services. Most recently, the Foundation funded the replacement of syringe drivers, which are used daily to manage pain and other symptoms for patients both within the hospice and across the community. With two-thirds of St Luke’s care taking place in people’s homes, this equipment is vital.

Ketan Mehta, from the Asian Foundation for Help, said:“On behalf of Asian Foundation for Help, Lions Club of Kingsbury and Pranasha, I am thankful to St Luke’s Hospice to have been given an opportunity to assist them in serving the community. The events, attended by over four hundred people, not only raised vital funds for the hospice but also helped to raise awareness of the essential care St Luke’s provides to the local community. We look forward to strengthening our bonds and continuing to the good work.”

Since its founding in 1983, the Asian Foundation for Help has raised funds for a wide range of good causes, including supporting the blind, elderly, sick and underprivileged around the world. Much of its focus is on education projects in India, while also promoting the cultural heritage of Gujarat and building connections among Gujaratis worldwide.

St Luke’s would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this event – including the organisers, volunteers, performers, and everyone who attended on the day.