Volunteers organised a free musical evening for the community to raise money for a hospice.

Around 300 people attended the event at Queens Park Community School last weekend, raising £4,000 for St Luke’s Hospice.

Ramesh Bhanderi, who has been volunteering on St Luke’s Hospice board of trustees since 2011, organised the free bhajan event for the local community for the second year running.

A Bhajan is a Hindu devotional song, but music came from both Indian and Western sources.

He said: “Many volunteered their time including Pritee Varsani and friends, who provided the music whilst Mira Salat of Mira Performing Arts performed a Hanuman Chalisa dance. St Luke’s volunteer and sound therapist Alan Watts also gave a flavour of therapeutic music he provides to hospice patients. Community members enjoyed the tranquil experience and blissful sounds of bhajans.”

Volunteer Pritee Varsani, whose father was supported by hospice staff, added: “Singing on Saturday was not only to raise awareness of the magnitude of work the hospice does, but was a reminder of the beautiful memories St Luke's created at a time where any family would lose hope.

"I would like to thank the hospice for making my father smile, and giving me the opportunity to return my appreciation, in which my father would have been proud.”

Food was provided courtesy of Kirit Patel of Satyam Sweet Mart and Baladia Youth Club, in addition to donating £500, covered the cost of the venue and provided event support with almost 25 volunteers.

Kailash Kerai, who attended the event, said: “The evening was brilliant and really well attended. The music was excellent and gave us real eye opener of what St Luke’s provide. I would like to get involved more in the future.”

To fundraise or hold a similar event for St Luke’s Hospice, visit www.stlukes-hospice.org/myevent or phone 020 8382 8018.