Following her 24 hour technology ban and a sponsored silence, Salma Razzaq will be hosting a Food Fiesta at her home in Letchworth in a bid to raise funds for a cause which means a great deal to her, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF)
“Twenty five years ago this year my life was saved with a liver transplant,” explains 35 year old Salma who teaches at Lordship Farm Primary School. “I was just nine years old when I became very jaundiced and very poorly as I suffered acute liver failure. We still don’t know why. I do know, however, that I am incredibly lucky and blessed to be here and am I am forever indebted to the selfless act of an organ donor.
“My health is great now thanks to the amazing team at Kings College Hospital. I go for yearly outpatient checks and am one of the rare patients who is not on any anti-rejection medications. I wanted to celebrate my 25 year milestone by raising funds for a charity which supports the many families around the UK who are still going through what mine did.
“I know it won’t be easy – silence is a rare thing for a nursery teacher, and my friends and family, although supportive of my challenge, are sceptical of my ability to keep quiet for this long!”
Salma has been so touched by the response from her local community to her fundraising that she will be following up her silence with a Food Fiesta at her home the following weekend (November 24). For a donation, visitors will be able to sample delicious Indian food from local restaurants, Balti Spices, Paprika, Chilli Lounge, Baldock Pizza, Masala and The Royal and take part in a raffle.
“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of local business and people and am so grateful to everyone who has supported me with food donations and raffle prizes and to everyone who has sponsored me on my JustGiving page,” says Salma. “My 25 year anniversary has given me the drive to live the best life that I can full of love, health and happiness. I just want to raise as much as I can to help families when they need it most.”
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted to hear about Salma’s plans. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone and her story is one which will give hope to so many of the families we support.”
You can support Salma’s sponsored silence and technology ban by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/salma-razzaq
Salma’s Food Fiesta will take place on November 24 in Alban Road, Letchworth from 2pm until 4pm. For details call 07903707076 or email s_razzaq@hotmail.com.
