Bank View Brings Smiles to East Lancashire Hospice by raising £440 during Ramadan

During Ramadan earlier this year, colleagues at Blackburn based Bank View Smile Studios (BVSS) decided they would like to take the opportunity to raise some money for East Lancashire Hospice

This involved members of the practice being sponsored to join in with the fasting, many of whom were keen to participate.  Despite some concern that the fasting was taking place in the Summer months and that the duration was substantial, the team of 12 raised an incredible £440 for the hospice.

BVSS is the oldest and most established dental practice in the region which boasts many 4th generation patients and one which has been continuously delivering outstanding dentistry to local families since 1906. Khalid and Thomas took over the helm in 2010 and have built on the strong foundations established by their prestigious predecessors by incorporating advanced implant, orthodontic and cosmetic treatments to their high quality general dental portfolio. As a result BVSS is now one of the Best Dental Clinic's in the UK, a title it has won twice along with more than 20 other dental and business awards in the last decade.

Fasting for Ramadan involves the abstinence from all food and water which starts from the pre-dawn period around 3am and continues through to sunset around 9pm. 18 hours was seen to be 'a bridge too far' for some, however because the practice wanted to make participation easier for everyone, they created a sliding scale approach ranging from; Level 1: Abstaining from Food only during the working day but water and drinks were permitted, Level 2: Not eating or drinking from 8am to 6pm which are usual working hours. Level 3: Drinks only from 3am to 9pm or Level 4: Equivalent to the complete fast.  Sponsorship amounts were raised accordingly with Ann, Bank View Smile’s Finance Manager one of the most successful participants and also the person in charge of keeping a record of who was doing what, on which day and at which level.

Dr Khalid Master explains why he and his colleagues decided to support the hospice “The hospice is not only a very worthy local charity, but also close to our hearts through the care they have provided, especially over recent years for some of our nearest and dearest. Each team member has their own special story of how the hospice has touched their lives, which is why we always participate in at least one fund raising activity, such as the Starlight Walk and Bubble Runs in the early years, culminating into Bake Sales, Raffles, Sponsored Walks Up Mountains, Abseiling down Towers, Sky Dives and so much more during our Corporate Challenge year. For me personally, my first association with the hospice came when my Aunt Rabia Khonat stayed there. It was during that time, I saw up close the superb attention and hospitality she and our family received. Since then, my uncle, Solly Khonat and family members like myself have become long term supporters of the hospice and the difficulties with fund raising recently have only galvanised us further”.

Leanne Green, Fundraiser at East Lancashire Hospice commented “We are extremely grateful to Dr Khalid and all of his colleagues at Bank View Smile Studios for the incredible amount they have raised for the hospice and recognise the concerted efforts of all involved.  Bank View Smile Studios are long term supporters of the hospice and have contributed to our cause in many different ways over the years.  All of the monies raised will go directly towards the provision of patient care here at the hospice at a time when we have never needed it more due to the impact of the Global Pandemic.  On behalf of everyone here, we would like to say a huge Thank You to the whole team”.     

For further information please contact Katie Elliott – Marketing & Communications Lead on:

Telephone: 01254 287015

Email: Katherine.Elliott@eastlancshospice.org.uk