A Blackburn mosque has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to help tackle some of the ‘taboos’ around cancer within the local community.

The joint venture also hopes to raise awareness of the importance of early intervention, as well as the help and support that is available when someone receives a cancer diagnosis.

As part of the long-term project, the Plane Tree Road mosque is hosting awareness events – called Macmillan Cancer Support Breakfast Mornings – which will also help raise vital funds for the cancer charity.

During the events East Lancashire Hospital Trust staff will be on hand to showcase the vital emotional, financial and practical support that’s available locally.

Chairman of Masjid E Sajedeen, Councillor Salim Sidat MBE, said: “A lot of people in our community have got cancer. We want to work with Macmillan to get the message out there that we are here for them, they are not alone and we want them to talk to us. We want to try and breakdown the barriers in the Asian community and let people know that they shouldn’t be scared and that the support is there for them.

“Cancer isn’t going away, and neither will we. Somebody, somewhere in our local community needs this support. A lot of people don’t want to talk about a cancer diagnosis, but it’s the 21st century and we need to do things differently. We will help as best we can. We might not be able to take the cancer away, but we will help support you, and your family, throughout the duration of your cancer journey.

"It is something that is really needed and, if it works, we’d like to work with other mosques and the wider to community to try and help support as many people living with cancer as possible.”

The first ever Macmillan Cancer Support Breakfast Morning will be held on Sunday, 3 October, for women only, with an event for men to be held at a later date. Everyone is welcome to attend from the local community, and from any faith, from 10.30am to 1pm.

If successful, the plan is to roll-out the ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ model and work with other mosques and the wider community.

Louise Osgood, Macmillan’s Relationship Fundraising Manager for East Lancashire, added: “One in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.

"Being diagnosed with cancer is scary. Right now, we know it might feel scarier than ever. But we are here to make sure people get the right help every step of the way, whether that’s concerns about physical issues, how you are feeling, money worries, or something different altogether.

“That’s why we are working alongside Masjid E Sajedeen because cancer is as personal to us as it is to you, and we’re doing whatever it takes to make sure you have the support you need.

"Wherever you are, whoever you are, Macmillan is here for you. You can count on us to do whatever it takes.”

For further information about the project go to www.sajadeen.co.uk or for any questions of concerns about cancer call 0800 808 00 00.