A series of fundraising efforts throughout the region for the victims of the Gaza conflict have raised thousands of pounds.

The Appeal for Gaza event at the Shai Qila Restaurant raised £15,000 in one night.

The event was attended by over 200 guests who listened to speeches by among others Ken O’Keefe of Alloha Palestine. The group is presently attempting to charter a ferry laden with aid to sail to Gaza from Cyprus.

Co-organiser Dr Bano Murtuja said “It was a wonderful success and I would like to thank everyone who donated on the night. We still have to collect some more money from guests from prizes we auctioned on the night.

“We would especially like to thank the Shahi Qila Restaurant which provided a two course meal, venue and staff for free.”

“A big thank you also to the volunteers: Sister Fatima from Ummah Welfare trust and her class, Sister Noreen and her husband Br Naeem from Al Asr, Adnan, Wajid, Harris, Kami, Tabarik.”

One hundred per cent of the money raised will be sent to MAP-UK's Gaza appeal (Medical Aid for Palestine).

Big thanks to the following companies.

Halal Kitchen, Express Cuisine and Chicken Ranch (Preston) provided starters.

Lancashire Foods Ltd (Preston) provided drinks; Print Hub Design, Influx Printers and Print Point provided free printing (PHD also designed); 21st Century video provided free video conferencing; Mike Bryson, Steve Bright and Mick Hollinworth provided caricatures. Mike drew people on the night, Steve drew a picture of Bush being hit by Obama's shoes especially for us to auction on the night and Mick offered a studio caricature to sell.

Ali Omar Ermes donated a painting worth £1000; Art Asian donated a piece of Art made especially for us; 786 Centre, donated the Sacred trust and some beautiful ornamental pieces; Islamic Book store, donated cassestes and books for the stall; Bukhara Restaurant donated a free meal; Meena Bakery donated over £100 worth of cake vouchers; Maariahs Academy came herself and did lots of mehndi as well as donating £100 voucher; Bellissima Boutique donated beautiful items of clothing.

Klassy donated items for the stall. PK Foods donated fruit; Blossoms florists donated a beautiful bouqet; Poshaak clothing donated clothes; BSM Driving school donated £85 worth of free driving lessons.

The Institute of Learning and Mentoring donated £85 worth of one to one tuition in English Maths and Science; Fone Zone donated items for the stall.

Men Zone Clothing donated clothes; Uzma Boutique donated loose material; Kathradas Newsagents; Hijab Centre donated scarves; Dhorats newsagents; Imran Foodstore; Goodfellas takeaway; Majraan Clothing donated clothing; Rightway Cash & Carry; Blush donated a hamper