Elderly patients received a surprise visit from a group of youngsters who put smiles on faces by presenting more than 40 gifts to patients.

Twenty children, aged 7 to 13, from Noorul Islam Madrassa, Blackburn called in to hand over gifts during a visit organised by Royal Blackburn Teaching hospital’s Muslim Chaplain, Fazlurrehman Hassan.

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Fazlurrehman Hassan said, “These campaigns where warmth, closeness, togetherness are shared between young and old people are important not only to bring a smile on patient’s, but also to help strengthen community and race relations and build bridges between faiths and communities”.

The children, who purchased all the gifts with their own money, were given a warm welcome by patients and ward staff. 

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Lorraine Mogra, Junior Sister on Ward B24 who accompanied the children during their visit, said: “It was a pleasure to have Noorul Islam at the hospital visiting patients and donating presents.”

“We want to thank the children and Noorul Islam Madrassa for bringing happiness and joy. The children’s generosity brought a tear to the eye of more than patient and everyone on the wards was delighted.”

The children spent 60 minutes on the Wards, chatting to patients and staff and delivering ‘comfort packs’ containing toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, face cloth and deodorant.

Tayyab Sidat, public relations officer at Noorul Islam Madrassa, said: “The children really enjoyed visiting Royal Blackburn Hospital and loved meeting the patients.
"It’s not nice being in hospital and it was lovely to be able to cheer up patients and give them gifts.”