A charity which has strong links to Blackburn, Burnley and Nelson through its fundraising efforts has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The Abaseen Foundation works to support some of the poorest people in the world who live in rural North West Pakistan.

A special event at the Friends Meeting House in Lancaster was attended by Mayor Joyce Pritchard, who spoke of her admiration for the charity’s successes.

Guests heard from founding trustee and chief executive Helen Bingley, Dr Mukhtiar Zaman and Professor Nicola Lowe about the charity’s origins, it’s recent work to assist the people affected by the summer flooding, and the charity’s expanded remit to address climate sensitive projects.

Although based in Lancaster, the Abaseen Foundation has received strong support from communities in East Lancashire for many years.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Helen Bingley addressing the audience

Helen Bingley said: “We know times are tough in the UK for everyone, but the people we work with in Pakistan really are the poorest in the world. 

"They have nothing, and the floods this summer have made the situation significantly worse.

"We are now designing a very ambitious events programme for 2023 which will enable people from all walks of life to have incredible experiences while raising money.”

The foundation, founded by Helen and her late husband William, prides itself on maximising the money it spends in Pakistan.

The majority of the staff team are volunteers, and the organisation benefits a strategic relationship with the University of Central Lancashire which aids its research projects.