Just Help Foundation(JHF) raises £1,100 and secures a monthly education commitment for the bereaved family
A community fundraising appeal has raised £1,100 to support the education and future of two young children whose 39-year-old father, the late Hafiz Imran, died after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Imran, who lived in Durgapur village in the Kanaighat area of Sylhet, Bangladesh, was a daily wage earner who worked hard to support his wife and two children. His eldest son, aged four, had only recently started school, while his younger son is just two years old.
The family’s life changed dramatically when Imran suddenly became seriously ill last month. With limited access to advanced medical facilities in his rural community, he travelled to Sylhet city for treatment. Following a series of medical examinations, doctors diagnosed him with brain cancer. His condition was further complicated by other health problems and deteriorated rapidly.
Despite severe financial hardship, Imran used his own earnings and borrowed money from relatives to pay for his treatment. When news of his illness reached Mizaur Rahman Mizan, Chairman of Just Help Foundation (JHF),following an appeal through former Cllr Khalilur Rahman, the organisation stepped in to help arrange further medical assistance.
Imran was sent to Dhaka for further examinations and specialist care before returning to Sylhet, where he was admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. Tragically, he died just five days after being admitted.
His death left his wife facing the enormous responsibility of raising two very young children alone, while also dealing with debts accumulated during his treatment.
Following his death, Just Help Foundation appealed to its members and supporters for assistance. Individual members responded generously, raising £800. A further £300 was raised through Burnley Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre, with support from its Secretary, M A Malik, bringing the total amount raised to £1,100.
A Continuing Commitment to the Children. There was further positive news for the family when two long-standing life members of Just Help Foundation, who have chosen not to have their names publicly disclosed, pledged to donate £25 each month towards the education of Imran’s two children.
The two donors have reportedly supported the Foundation’s humanitarian work for approximately 15 years. Their decision to continue supporting the children on a monthly basis is intended to provide longer-term assistance rather than a one-off contribution.
The Foundation said it hopes this ongoing support will help the two boys remain in education and give them an opportunity to build a secure and positive future despite the loss of their father.
Just Help Foundation said the £1,100 raised through the current appeal will be sent to Bangladesh and handed over to Imran’s widow. The organisation has requested that the money be used specifically for the education and educational expenses of the two children.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who came forward during this family’s darkest hour,” a spokesperson for Just Help Foundation said. “Hafiz Imran was only 39 and left behind two very young children. We hope this support, together with the monthly commitment from our two life members, will help the children continue their education and give them a better chance of building a brighter future.”
The UK-based Just Help Foundation, which has been involved in humanitarian work for almost 20 years, said the fundraising effort reflects its continuing commitment to supporting vulnerable families during times of crisis.
Although the children have lost their father at a very young age, the Foundation hopes the generosity of its members and supporters will help keep alive his dream of seeing his children educated and able to build a better future.
The £1,100 is expected to be transferred to the family in Bangladesh shortly.
Just Help Foundation expressed its sincere thanks to Mr Malik and Mr Khan for their support, as well as to all donors, members and supporters whose generosity made the appeal possible.
The Foundation also expressed special appreciation to the two anonymous life members of JHF for their commitment to provide £25 each per month for the children’s education, describing their continued support as an important source of hope for the family.
