The recent healthy ‘Taste of India’ lunch held in Café Connects across the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, raised an amazing £1,129.11 for the Stroke Association.
Hosted by Stroke Specialist, Dr Jeenat Khan, the event provided an array of healthy authentic Indian dishes, created by family recipes provided by Dr Khan which were brilliantly cooked by the hospital Catering Team. Tandoori Chicken, Tarka Vegetable Daal and Polao Rice were meticulously created and enjoyed by everyone who queued in our Café Connects to sample them.
Dr Khan’s mother passed away at the age of 59 in October 2012, so this event was a fitting tribute to her memory.
The lunch also provided an opportunity to promote cultural diversity and help support the work of the Stroke Association.
The event’s success was a testament to the generosity of staff. The lunch was a triumph with a total of £1129.11 being raised for such a worthy cause.
Delighted with the incredible amount raised for the Stroke Association, Dr Jeenat Khan said, “Having worked in Stroke Services for many years now and since COVID, I have seen how people are disconnected from their society with no one to talk to. The Stroke Association plays a vital role providing support, so I really wanted to bring the work that they do into the limelight. My aim was to bring people together, so what better way to do that by organising a food event!
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who participated, contributed and made the “Taste of India” event a resounding success. It is through the collective efforts of our staff that we can make a meaningful impact in our community.”
Expressing his thanks for the outstanding donations and efforts that went into the ‘Taste of India’ event, Stroke Association Northern Ireland Director, Alasdair O’Hara added, “We are delighted that Dr Khan arranged this event for the Stroke Association which raised an incredible amount and that Trust staff supported this fundraiser.
“At the Stroke Association, we provide vital life after stroke support to stroke patients in the South Eastern Trust which includes emotional support, counselling and a communication support service where we offer courses to stroke survivors to help assist them with their life after a stroke.
“We are here to support stroke survivors with their practical, emotional and functional goals. Our services can help provide advice and information through our helpline on 0303 3033 100, we have a wide range of services within the Trust that they can access.
“This donation will contribute greatly towards those vital support services in the South Eastern Trust area.”
Attending the cheque presentation in an attempt to highlight stroke awareness, stroke survivor and Stroke Association Volunteer, Christopher Mahood highlighted that a stroke can strike at any age.
“When I was 24 I suffered from a brain bleed and an aneurysm resulting in complications, which led to a stroke. My son was just one week old at the time.
“I was lucky that I was fit, however the stroke left me with the left side of my body affected. I cannot move my limbs properly. I was a patient in the Royal Victoria Hospital for a month and the Brain Injury Unit for two months. I had to be tube fed. I couldn’t move out of bed or walk for three months. I received after-care from the Stroke Team in the Trust which was a great support.
“It’s been a tough journey. For some stroke patients it can be tough to accept what has happened, it can be very emotional. I still get emotional now.
“I have been volunteering with the Stroke Association for eight years now. It makes me feel really good that I am helping others. Stroke does not just affect the individual, it affects everybody around you.”
“Donations such as these help run groups and provide support which is vital to those who have suffered a stroke.”