Charity is the spice of life for Middleton restaurant

Mohammed Hussain, La Minhaz Restaurant with the fundraising team

La Minhaz on Market Place, Middleton threw open its doors for two evenings offering free food in return for donations and raised £2,720 for two local charities, Springhill Hospice and NB Welfare and Education Trust.

Restaurant owner Moshahid Hussain wanted to support good causes and celebrate the reopening of the restaurant following the completion of the restoration work on the site of the former Middleton Guardian newspaper building, an early example of Edgar Wood’s work.

With entertainment from local singer and performer Ian Jenkins, La Minhaz was fully booked for the two nights where fine dining was enthusiastically received with generous donations.

Guests included the Mayor Mohammed Zaman, Liz McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton, and Councillor Donna Williams.

Business support included Middleton MOT Centre together with Harvey’s Jewellers based in Middleton Shopping Centre and J & D Alexander Jewellers in Rochdale, both donating vouchers for jewellery for the charity auction which added £800 to the fundraising total.

A long-time supporter of the hospice, Mr Hussain said: “The care that Springhill Hospice provides touches so many people, including myself where I’ve witnessed the marvellous support that they give to patients and their families.

“The focus of the work at NB will be on local projects where we can so openly see clear areas of need. I want to thank everyone for their support for these two evenings, and their generosity for our chosen charities, which has been outstanding.”