Local students Faiza Sheikh, Toyris Miah and Enam Sylar Islam worked hard to put together a fundraising dinner for a maternity hospital in Swat, Pakistan. The hospital is being built by the international charity Islamic Help.

The TKC Restaurant in Southall was the venue for an evening of excellent food, entertainment and most importantly an opportunity to improve the conditions of childbirth in Swat.

Childbirth is a very difficult time, even with top facilities such as those available in the UK. In places like Swat, where medical facilities are non-existent or inadequate at best, it can be life-threatening ordeal.

Women are giving birth in tents, and in some cases have been known to give birth on the open road on their way to distant hospitals in far away cities.

Many women and children are dying due to a lack of basic facilities and proper medical care, which Islamic Help's Swat Gynae Hospital will provide.

Sister Sofia of Southall Black Sisters pointed out that the conditions for women have worsened because of the Pakistan government handing over control to local jirga councils and terrorist attacks on facilities for women by the Taliban. The Taliban will not allow women to be seen by male doctors and will not allow women to be educated (to become doctors), thus creating an intolerable situation.

The main guest was barrister Rizwan Hussain, a well known presenter on Islam Channel, who has been involved with Islamic Help since its inception 6 or 7 years ago.

He skilfully managed to charm some of the attendees to donate or pledge to raise £9,000 for the hospital. A further £600 was raised by the sale of items such as signed boxing gloves of Amir Khan.

The Nasheed artist who performed were Asif Choudhury, Abdul Qadar Sanji and Naseeha.

The current Situation in Haiti was also highlighted. As Rizwan pointed out to the guests, "You are probably feeling hungry and know that you will be able to satisfy your hunger and thirst."

"Can you imagine 230,000 dead bodies in front of you? A month after the Haiti destruction, the people of Haiti still need shelter, water and medicines. 3 million people need your help."

"Can you imagine losing your child after going the pains of a 9 month pregnancy because there are no medical facilities."

As well as selling merchandise, like nasheed DVDs, collection boxes were put on every table for Haiti and the hospital in Swat.

You can still donate towards the hosital and make a difference at www.justgiving.com/sosis


More information about the hospital and other prjects is at: www.islamichelp.org.uk