A staggering £105,000 was raised by businesses and families at a fundraising dinner for KORT (Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust).

The Blackburn leg of the KORT fundraising appeal was attended by 450 guests at the Grand Venue, who heard about the inspiring work the charity does in Pakistan.

Speaking on the night (Tuesday February 18) founder, Ch. Mohammed Akhtar spoke about how the charity was born following the worst earthquake to hit areas of Kashmir in October 2005.

The charity specialises in the housing, accommodation, education and general care of hundreds of children facing a range of difficulties requiring social security and care in both Pakistan and AJK.

Among the guests were Khalid Saifullah,-Managing Director Of Star Tissue, Iftakhar Hussain, Deputy Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Hasina Khan, Mayor of Chorley and Iram Ghous, Town Mayor, Brierfield.

The event was sponsored and supported by a number of businesses and companies.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Picture by Shakil Salam.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Habib malik, a fundraiser and patron of the charity was in attendance to show his support for the charity as was Naseeb Abbas, a KORT patron who is on the ground to monitor operations and distribute resources to those most in need.

You can find out more about Naseeb Abbas’s fundraiser which has already collected £78,000 here.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A spokesperson said, “Special thanks to all supporters of the event, the people of Blackburn for supporting a successful event, our founder and all the trustees and patrons.

“Special thanks also to event organisers Amar Nasir, Raja Zaman, of Safe Hands Media and Atif Ali, along with Mohammed Azam.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The event raised £105,000 thanks to the support of businesses and families.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Forthcoming fundraising dinners for the charity include

20th Feb Derby - KORT CHARITY DINNER On Thursday 20th February 2020 At Heathland Grove (Formerly Nadee Restaurant), 130 Heath Lane, Derby, DE65 6AR Guest Arrival 6.00p22nd Feb Bradford KORT 
CHARITY DINNER  On Saturday 22nd February 2020 At The Madisson, 210-218 City Road, Bradford, BD8 8JP Event Starts 6.00pm

23rd Feb Newcastle The Lancastrian Conference & Banqueting Suite, Lancaster Road, Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 9JR, Event Starts: 4pm

26th Feb Oldham On Wednesday 26th February 2020, In Oldham, At The Eastern Pavilion, Featherstall Road South, Oldham, OL9 6HL, Event Starts 6.00pm

29th Feb Birmingham In Birmingham, At The Crystal Plaza, 96 Armoury Road, Birmingham, B11 2PP, Guest Arrival 6.00pm - Event Starts 6.30pm

1st March Peterborough On Sunday 1st March 2020, In Peterborough, At Gladstone Park Community Centre, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 2AN

You can find out more about the work of KORT here or call 0300 123 7774 for tickets.