'First-of-its-kind' initiative sees hundreds of pounds worth of items donated to GWH
This weekend (March 29 to March 30), Muslims around Swindon will be celebrating Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, with feasts, family gatherings and new clothes.
But for Muslim patients and their parents unable to leave Swindon's Great Western Hospital, it can often be a difficult and isolating time.
That's why Tess Griffin, from the Swindon Palestine Solidarity group, and Repi Begum, councillor for the Lydiard and Freshbrook Ward, decided to take their celebrations to the next level this year, by donating over £700 worth of clothes, food and toiletries to children at the hospital.
According to Tess, who has recently converted to Islam from Christianity, there's a stark difference between the way religious festivals celebrate those in need in the community.
Staff at the hospital were blown away by the gifts (Image: Repi Begum) 'It is the beauty of giving and charity in Islam that truly inspired me to do this,' she told the Swindon Advertiser.
'As a previous Christian and Welsh woman I have heard of Christmas donations but why wasn't there anything for Eid, especially as Muslims are the biggest doners of charity in Britain, giving at least four times more with an average of £708 per individual per year.
'It made no sense to me and hence this initiative was born.'
Along with Councillor Begum, the pair raised £770 in just four days, and arrived at Great Western Hospital on Friday, March 28, with arms full of clothes, books, games, food and toiletries for the patients.
Paediatric Lead Nurse Natalie Lawrence and Consultant Dr Phil Peacock say they are overwhelmed with how much was raised in such a short time, and how the gifts made patients feel will stay with them for a lifetime.
Some of the items gifted to young patients (Image: Repi Begum) 'We provided a fair amount of children's books including books relevant to Eid and what it is,' said Councillor Begum.
'We saw this event as a means to bring some joy to children facing illness and also help build bridges between communities.
'There are a lot of negative stories about immigrant communities and Muslims and so we hope to highlight a feel good factor.
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'Tess and I were overwhelmed by how overwhelmed the team were. What seemed like a small gesture is making such a massive difference.
'We are truly grateful to all that contributed and made this happen.'
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