Staff at East Cheshire NHS Trust, observing the holy month of Ramadan, hosted an Iftar event on Friday 20 February 2026 at Macclesfield District General Hospital, offering colleagues an opportunity to experience Ramadan and help raise funds for local charitable causes.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world as a time of gratitude, reflection, prayer and spiritual growth. During this sacred month, Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink as an act of devotion and self-discipline. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as Iftar (‘breaking of the fast’), which is traditionally shared with family, friends and the wider community.
The Trust’s Iftar was held in the Tree Tops Restaurant at the hospital and featured a three-course meal, providing colleagues with an opportunity to enjoy an evening of fellowship and shared understanding. The event began with a short welcome, followed by an introduction to Ramadan from Lutfi Suleiman, Consultant Anaesthetist, and a brief prayer led by Ziad Al Khaddar, General Surgeon.
Sara Nausheen, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Clinical Lead, who organised the event, said:
“Our colleagues were invited, if they wished, to fast for the day to gain a small insight and to share more fully in the spirit and experience of Ramadan. It was heartening to see so many take up the challenge while continuing their day-to-day clinical duties. We are incredibly proud of them for showing such solidarity. It is little wonder that the evening meal - complete with delicious sweet treats, including special Ramadan cakes prepared by Jabeen Razzaq-Sheikh, Principal Pharmacist - was so warmly appreciated.”
In keeping with the values of generosity and compassion that lie at the heart of Ramadan, guests were invited to support two chosen local charities: Just Drop In in Macclesfield, and the East Cheshire NHS Trust Maternity Project.
“We are raising funds to enhance our maternity services and provide improved care for some of the most vulnerable women in our community - including those affected by domestic abuse, women facing significant social deprivation, those living with mental health challenges, and refugee women” added Sara.
“These groups are known to experience a higher incidence of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
“Our aim is to strengthen care pathways, and to improve communication and continuity of care throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period, ensuring that every woman feels safe, supported and understood. Through this project, we hope to improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies, delivering care that is compassionate, equitable and of the highest standard.
“This event was a wonderful opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and unwind at the end of the week in a true spirit of community. Before the evening concluded, Ann Wright, Chief Officer at Just Drop In, and Nicky Biggar, Head of Midwifery, spoke about the projects we are proud to be supporting.
“I am also grateful to Kara Mason, Director of Finance and Estates, for granting permission to host the event at the hospital, and to the many teams across the Trust who helped us deliver such a well-attended evening. We were delighted to welcome around one hundred guests from departments across the hospital, including John Hunter, Medical Director, and Wendy Moss, Hospital Chaplain.”
Lily Preston, Fundraising and Events Manager, added: “I would like to thank Sara and all our colleagues who organised this wonderful event and helped to raise much-needed funds for the maternity project.”
If one wishes to donate, please visit the following links:
Macclesfield General Hospital Ramadan Iftar Appeal - Maternity Project - JustGiving.
Just Drop-In: Iftar Invitation
ENDS
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