Kashmir-born IT graduate from London’s Kingston University Safeer Bashir is celebrating with the community after raising more than £2,000 for lifesaving cancer research.

Over Ramadan, Safeer fasted for 30 days, raising crucial funds for Worldwide Cancer Research through his family-run supermarket, Al-Khair, in Chairborough Road, High Wycombe.

Together they also organised an array of regular prayers and Eid celebrations for their community.

The success of the fundraiser has since inspired Safeer to start planning for Ramadan 2021.

He said: “It’s incredible to think that the money we raised together will not only go to one type of cancer, but many cancer types – rare and common.

"I lost my dear auntie in 2005 to breast cancer. She passed away just two weeks after she was diagnosed – it was devastating.

"Cancer doesn’t discriminate so it’s up to us to rally together and ensure that no more loved ones are lost to cancer.”

UK-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research funds bold new research throughout the country and the rest of the world into all types of cancer.

Since it was founded in 1979, cancer survival rates have doubled, and the charity has funded 2,000 projects across the globe, worth over £200 million.

Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive of Worldwide Cancer Research, said: “We are thrilled to have Safeer’s support and can’t wait to see what plans he comes up with for his Ramadan 2021 fundraiser.

"Sadly, most of our fundraising has stopped and much of our lifesaving research is still on hold. But cancer carries on.

"Thanks to supporters like Safeer, people living with cancer have been given hope and we as a charity can continue to start new cancer cures and save more lives in the future.”